What is the local name of elephant foot yam?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

Did you know that in India alone, the elephant foot yam goes by over a dozen regional names, including Suran and Jimikand? Understanding what is the local name of elephant foot yam reveals its cultural significance and widespread use across Asia, showcasing how a single vegetable can have many identities.

Quick Summary

Elephant foot yam is known by many regional names across Asia, including Suran, Jimikand, and Kanda in India, and Oal in Bangladesh. Its name varies widely depending on the local language and cuisine, highlighting its extensive reach and cultural importance.

Key Points

Indian Regional Names: Commonly called Suran, Jimikand, or Kanda in India, with numerous variations across states.
Southeast Asian Terminology: In Southeast Asia, names like suweg (Indonesian) and pongapong (Filipino) are used.
Cultural Significance: The yam holds cultural importance in many regions, often used in festive dishes like those prepared for Diwali.
Nutritional Powerhouse: This tuber is valued for its high fiber content, essential fatty acids, and low fat, contributing to various health benefits.
Cooking Precautions: It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation, which can be neutralized by adding an acidic agent like tamarind or lime during cooking.
Botanical Identity: The scientific name for elephant foot yam is Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, a fact useful for identification.

The Many Aliases of Elephant Foot Yam

The elephant foot yam, scientifically known as Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, is a tropical tuber cultivated extensively across South and Southeast Asia. Its diverse local names reflect the rich culinary traditions of the regions where it is grown. This article details some of the most common regional names for this nutritious root vegetable.

Regional Names for Elephant Foot Yam Across India

Due to the many languages and dialects in India, the elephant foot yam has a wide array of local names, often depending on the state and linguistic group.

North Indian Names

Suran: A widely recognized Hindi name in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
Jimikand (or Zimmikand): Another common Hindi name, particularly in Chhattisgarh and often used in festive dishes for Diwali.
Kanda: Found in various parts of northern India and sometimes used interchangeably with Suran or Jimikand.

Eastern Indian Names

Oal (or Ol): Used in West Bengal, Bangladesh, and Nepal, sometimes holding cultural significance during fasts.
Oluo: The name in the state of Odisha.

South Indian Names

Suvarnagadde: The Kannada name in Karnataka.
Chena: A key name in Malayalam in Kerala.
Kanda Gadda: The name in Telugu-speaking states.
Kaara Kuranai Kizhangu (or Senai Kizhangu): The Tamil names.

Local Names in Southeast Asia and Beyond

The elephant foot yam also has a presence and local names outside the Indian subcontinent:

Indonesia: Known as suweg, a significant carbohydrate source.
Philippines: Referred to as pongapong.
Malaysia: Goes by sarek, ubi sarek, and ubi kekek.
Vietnam: Called nưa chuông.
Sri Lanka: Known as kiḍāraṁ.

Comparison: Scientific vs. Regional Names

This table summarizes the scientific name and some key regional common names:


Feature	Scientific Name	Hindi	Bengali	Malayalam	Indonesian
Scientific Name	Amorphophallus paeoniifolius	-	-	-	-
Common Name	Elephant Foot Yam	Suran, Jimikand	Oal (Ol)	Chena	Suweg
Key Use	Tubers for consumption	Curry, stir-fry	Curries, side dishes	Curries, fries	Staple food

Culinary Significance and How to Prepare This Tuber

Elephant foot yam's culinary uses are as varied as its names. Its earthy flavor and texture make it popular in vegetarian dishes. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation, which can be neutralized by cooking with acidic ingredients like tamarind or lemon juice. It's commonly prepared in curries, fries, and mashed dishes.

Health Benefits of This Nutritious Tuber

Recognized in traditional medicine, the yam is rich in fiber, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Digestive Health: High fiber aids digestion and acts as a prebiotic.
Heart Health: Potassium and omega-3 fatty acids help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.
Blood Sugar Management: Its low glycemic index helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
Anti-inflammatory: It has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Conclusion: A Tuber of Many Names

The numerous local names like Suran, Jimikand, Chena, and Oal reflect the elephant foot yam's deep cultural and culinary significance in Asia. From festive dishes to traditional medicine, it's a vital staple. Understanding its names and preparation methods allows for an appreciation of this remarkable root vegetable. For more on its botany, consult sources like the International Aroid Society. While beneficial, those with certain conditions like kidney stones should consult a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Hindi, elephant foot yam is most commonly known as 'Suran' or 'Jimikand'.

In Tamil, the local names for elephant foot yam are 'Kaara Kuranai Kizhangu' or 'Senai Kizhangu'.

To remove the itchiness caused by calcium oxalate crystals, add an acidic ingredient like tamarind pulp or lime juice to the yam while cooking.

Yes, Suran and Jimikand are both regional Hindi names for the same vegetable, elephant foot yam.

Elephant foot yam is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can aid in digestion, support heart health, and help manage blood sugar levels.

Because of its low glycemic index, elephant foot yam is generally considered suitable for diabetics, as it causes a slower rise in blood sugar. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before adding it to your diet.

The elephant foot yam is a tropical crop native to Southeast Asia, but it is widely cultivated in South Asia, including India and Bangladesh, as well as in parts of Africa and the Pacific islands.