Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius

Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius is a tropical tuber crop. This tuber crop is adopted well in the western countries as a cash crop. The crop is quite popular as a vegetable in several delicious cuisines. This elephant yarn belongs to the aroid family. The aroid family is characterized by its inflorescence.

Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius

Table of Contents

• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Common Name
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Common Names
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius History
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Physical Description
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Habitat and Distribution
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Cultivation
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Nutritional Facts
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Health Benefits
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Uses
  • Edible use
  • Medicinal Uses
  • Other uses
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Recipes
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Availability
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Substitute
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Side effects
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius during Pregnancy
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Interesting Facts
• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Pictures

 

The rhizome, leaves and petioles of the plant is edible. These parts are cooked thoroughly before they are served. The root is restorative and is used for treating several diseases.

Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius is popular as Elephant Food Yarn.

• Suran in Hindi
• Senai Kizhangu in Tamil
• Suvarna Gedde in Kanada
• Ol in Bengali
• Chena in Malayalam
• Oluo in Oriya

Amorphophallus is not a carnivorous plant. The smell or odor of this plant is similar to the smell of rotting flesh. The term “Amorphophallus” is derived from two Greek words “amorphos” and “phallus”. “Amorphos” means without form or shape and “phallus” means penis. The plant was named so because of its peculiar column like spike that makes it look different. Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius is actually a crop of Southeast Asian region and is quite hardy in the tropical areas.

Picture 1 – Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius

The description will let you know how Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius looks like

Length: Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius grows to a height of 0.8m.

Flowers: The flowers are monoecious and look something different from the normal flowers.

Odor: The smell of the flower is like that of rotting dead animal. The smell attracts flies, the primary pollinator.

Tuber or Stem: The tuber of this plant is 30 cm in diameter

Leaflets: The leaflets are round, oval and elliptic oblong in shape.

Fruits: Fruits are produced in spikes and the seeds are large in shape.

Elephant foot yam is a crop of South East Asian origin. The plant prefers growing in secondary forests, shrub forests and grasslands of arid valley areas at an elevation of 700 meters. This foot yam grows in wild form in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and several other parts of Southeast Asian countries. In several parts of India like West Bengal, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Orissa, Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius is widely found. In India it is popularly known as Suran.

This tuber crop is quite resilient in the tropical areas. The crop prefers growing in rich, well-drained soil. It will be much better if the plant can be grown in a sheltered, moist position. The plant grows well in the temperate areas. Select a pot twice the diameter of the corm and fill it with rich, well drained potting mix.

Make sure that the corm is planted well below the soil surface to lend plant support. During the growing season, ample water should be provided. Reduce the amount radically during the dormancy period. Sometimes the pots are been affected by frost and to avoid the situation corms of potted specimens should be removed. Pesticides should be used.

Have a look at the following chart determining the nutritional value of Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius –

Energy 330 kJ/100 g (approx)

Water 72-79 %

Protein: 1.7-5.1 %

Fat: 0.2-0.4 %

Carbohydrate: 18-24 %

Fiber: 0.8 %

Calcium: 50-56 mg/100 g

Iron: 0.6-1.4 mg/100 g

Phosphorus: 20-53 mg/100 g

Vitamin A: 434 IU/100 g

Picture 2 – Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Image

Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius is popular because of its amazing health benefits.

• The root of the plant is efficient in treating opthalmia.
• Suran is great for treating piles and hemorrhages.
• Consumption of this crop increases the immunity level of our body.
• Those having digestion problem can have suran in their lunch. No need to have it daily but try to consume at least 2 days a week.
• This vegetable is high in nutrients and is also known for having valuable vitamin, antioxidant and mineral content.

Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius is a popular crop and is used for several purposes.

Three parts of this plant are edible – tuber, rhizome and the petioles. All these are cooked well before eaten and all of them are rich in minerals and protein.

The root is used for curing stomach pain, treating piles and hemorrhages. Apart from that, those suffering from other health problems like bronchitis, asthma, anemia, and liver malfunction can have this vegetable to get rid of such health issues.

Other use of this crop is not known yet.

• Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Avail
• Senai Kizhangu Poriyal
• Elephant foot yam Fry

This is a popular crop and is available in the vegetables market. The price is reasonable and is available throughout the year.

The best substitute will be gelatin.

There is not as such any serious side effect but doctors suggest not having it daily. Those suffering from asthma, cold and cough should avoid its consumption.

Pregnant women should not have it. Consumption of this vegetable during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby.

• Consumption of elephant yam is good for women
• Yams can provide relief from premenstrual syndrome
• The plant looks like the foot of an elephant and that’s why is named so.
• It also acts as anticoagulant.

Here are a few Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius images

Picture 3 – Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Picture

Picture 4 – Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius Photo

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amorphophallus_paeoniifolius

http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/a/amorphophallus-paeoniifolius=elephant-yam.php

https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2002/amorphophallus-paeoniifolius.html