Family: Fabaceae
Author: Urb. (L.)
Bibliography: Symb. antill. 4:311. 1905
Year: 1905
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pachyrhizus
Vegetable: True
Observations: Mexico to C. America
Description
The Yam-bean, scientifically known as Pachyrhizus erosus, is a notable plant within the Fabaceae family. Originating from the region stretching from Mexico to Central America, this versatile plant has been a significant part of local agriculture and cuisine for generations.
Typically, the Yam-bean is recognized for its underground tubers, which are starchy and rich in essential nutrients. The tubers have a crisp texture, somewhat similar to that of an apple or a pear, and a sweet, nutty flavor that makes them a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes. The plant is often referred to in culinary contexts as “jícama”, particularly in Mexican cuisine, where it is commonly eaten raw, seasoned with lime or lemon juice, chili powder, and salt. It can also be cooked and added to stir-fries, soups, and salads.
Botanically, Pachyrhizus erosus is characterized by its climbing vines and trifoliate leaves. The plant is a perennial, although it is often cultivated as an annual in agricultural settings. The vines can reach up to several meters in length, requiring support structures if grown in fields or gardens. The flowers of the Yam-bean are typically blue or violet, contributing to its aesthetic appeal.
From an agricultural perspective, the Yam-bean is incredibly valuable. It is known to improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, thanks to the symbiotic relationship it maintains with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This makes it an excellent crop for intercropping and sustainable farming practices. However, it’s important to note that while the tubers are edible, the seeds and pods contain rotenone, a naturally occurring insecticide, which can be toxic if ingested.
First described in botanical literature in 1905 by the author Urb. (L.), Pachyrhizus erosus has since been the subject of numerous studies due to its agricultural and nutritional value. Its ability to thrive in varied climates and soils further underscores its importance as a staple crop in many regions of Central America and beyond. The continued cultivation and study of the Yam-bean promise to enhance food security and sustainable farming practices globally.
Common Names
Eng: mexican-potato, yam bean, potato-bean, yam-bean
Deu: yambohne
Swe: jamsbönrot
Spa: judía batata, jícama, jícama de agua
Fra: patate cochon, pois patate
En: Yam-bean, Potato-bean, Mexican-potato, Yam bean, Jicama, Saeme, Bangkuang, Bito’, Manioc Cochon, Patte la CouÉte, Pois Manioc, Wild Yam Bean, Water fern, Turnip Tree
Ar: هيكاما
My: ပဲစိမ်းစားပင်
Ca: Jícama
Zh: 豆薯
Nl: Yamboon
Eo: Jikamo
Et: Söödav ubajuur
Fi: Pikkujamssipapu
Fr: Pois patate, Patate cochon, Patate-cochon, Pois-patate, Pachyrhize rongé, Manioc Cochon, Pois manioc
De: Yambohne
Id: Bengkuang
Ja: Kuzu-imo
Jv: Bengkowang
Ko: 콩감자
Lt: Ropinė gumbapupė
Ne: भुइँस्याउ
Fa: جیکاما
Pl: Kłębian kątowaty
Qu: Mishiku hikama
Ru: Хикама
Es: Judía batata, Jícama, Jícama de agua, Habilla, Yuca de bejuco, Jicama
Su: Bangkuang
Sv: Jamsbönrot
Tl: Singkamas
Zh-tw: 豆薯
Th: มันแกว
Tr: Jikama
Vi: Cây củ đậu
Yi: היקעמע
Synonyms
- Robynsia lobata (M.Martens & Galeotti)
- Cacara palmatiloba ((DC.) Kuntze)
- Pachyrhizus angulatus f. integrifolius (Wawra)
- Pachyrhizus palmatilobus ((DC.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Hemsl.)
- Pachyrhizus angulatus (Rich. ex DC.)
- Dolichos mammosus (Noronha)
- Dolichos bulbosus (L.)
- Cacara erosa ((L.) Kuntze)
- Pachyrhizus trilobus (DC.)
- Pachyrhizus bulbosus (Kurz)
- Pachyrhizus erosus var. typicus (R.T.Clausen)
- Pachyrhizus articulatus (Duchass. ex Walp.)
- Pachyrhizus erosus var. palmatilobus ((DC.) R.T.Clausen)
- Pachyrhizus jicamas (Blanco)
- Dolichos articulatus (Lam.)
- Taeniocarpum articulatum (Desv.)
- Stizolobium bulbosum (Spreng.)
- Robynsia macrophylla (M.Martens & Galeotti)
- Stizolobium domingense (Spreng.)
- Dolichos erosus (L.)
- Dolichos palmatilobus (DC.)
- Pachyrhizus strigosus (R.T.Clausen)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- Assam (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Bismarck Archipelago (introduced)
- Brazil North (introduced)
- Brazil Northeast (introduced)
- Brazil Southeast (introduced)
- Brazil West-Central (introduced)
- Cambodia (introduced)
- Cameroon (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Christmas I. (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Gabon (introduced)
- Hainan (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Laos (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
- Madagascar (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Maldives (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Myanmar (introduced)
- Nepal (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- New Guinea (introduced)
- Philippines (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Sumatera (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Apr 1, 1983 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 1, 2001 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 1, 2001 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Claudie Vincent (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 4, 2022 by Franc Bitenc (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 5, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 5, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2022 by Greg O (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Jacques Labas (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 5, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wibowo Djatmiko (Wie146) (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wibowo Djatmiko (Wie146) (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wibowo Djatmiko (Wie146) (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 21, 2022 by chaa moon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2021 by nicolas duval (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 28, 2021 by Pascal KONAN-FERRAND (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2022 by Gemechu Wirtu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Teofilo Carrillo (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wibowo Djatmiko (Wie146) (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:179936-2)
- WFO (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2974683)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urb.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb