Yam (English: yam; American English: ñame) is also known as Chinese yam and refers to certain species within the Dioscorea genus. The tubers of these species are rich in starch and can be consumed by humans. Yam is a perennial herbaceous climbing plant cultivated in many temperate and tropical regions, particularly in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania, where local people grow this species for its edible tubers.