Dioscorea nipponica, commonly known as Japanese mountain yam, is a perennial climbing vine native to forest margins, grasslands, and along streams in Japan, Korea, China, and the Russian Far East. It is characterized by its twining stems, heart-shaped leaves, and small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant is particularly noted for its underground tubers, which are thick and elongated. These tubers are harvested for their starchy content and are used in traditional East Asian cuisine and medicine.

Japanese mountain yam is valued for its edible tubers, which can be eaten raw or cooked, and are known for their health benefits. In cultivation, it requires a support structure to climb on, such as a trellis or fence. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to part shade. While it is relatively low maintenance, it can become invasive outside its native range due to its vigorous growth and ability to spread through tubers. Gardeners should be cautious and consult local regulations before planting to prevent unintended spread.CC BY-SA 4.0