also: トゲいも
lesser yam; Dioscorea esculenta
A species of yam with small, spiny tubers. The Japanese name literally means 'thorn potato'. Related to トゲドコロ (Dioscorea esculenta).
See also: トゲドコロ
The lesser yam is a type of yam native to Southeast Asia.
There are areas in Okinawa where lesser yams are cultivated.
Kanji spelling is possible but rare; it is a kanji form.
From トゲ (thorn) + イモ (potato), referring to the spiny tubers of this yam species.