cheeky yam, round yam

Round yam, cheeky yam (so-called because the yam is toxic if not prepared correctly). These yams contain toxins that must removed by slicing them and soaking them in running water. The yams are sliced with a knife made from a kangaroo shoulderblade and the slices are placed into a string bad which is left in running water for a day or more. The slices are then cooked and eaten (although the slices can also be eaten raw once toxins are removed). Round yams are associated with the ngarradjku matrimoiety and the an-djarrabuma (monsoon rain) matry.

Slender deciduous climber annually regenerating from a perennial tuber. Leaves alternate, heart shaped ovate to broadly ovate, blade 80-150 mm long x 60-120 mm wide, prominent longitudinal veins. Flowers small, white, sweetly perfumed, in pendulous spikes. Fruit an elliptic three-winged capsule, 12-18 mm long, x 10 mm wide. Found in lowland and sandstone country in monsoon forest associated with freshwater streams, stream banks, swamp margins and occasionally in open forest.