Scientific Name
Dioscorea batatas
Common Name
Chinese yam, cinnamon vine

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Dioscoreaceae
Plant Description
Tuberous perennial, the stem a twining, often angled vine with opposite, long-stalked, heart shaped leaves; flowers small in axillary clusters.
Origin
China.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape in vegetable garden as cultivated Oriental vegetable, landscape as cultivated ornamental vine.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Raw tubers (thickened roots).
Symptoms
Skin irritation from handling the uncooked tubers. Irritation and burning of the mouth, lips, tongue and throat.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Cooked tubers.
Toxic Principle
Calcium oxalate crystals.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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