Yam is the common name for some plant species in the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae) that form edible tubers. Yams are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption of their starchy tubers in many temperate and tropical world regions. The tubers themselves are also called "yams", having numerous cultivars and related species. In parts of the United States and Canada, "yam" is sometimes used to refer to varieties of the unrelated sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The name, yam, appears to derive from Portuguese inhame or Canarian (Spain) name, which derived from West African languages during trade. The main derivations borrow from verbs meaning "to eat". In various places other unrelated root vegetables are sometimes referred to as "yams", including: In the United States, the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), especially those with orange flesh, are often referred to as "yams" In Okinawa, purple sweet potatoes may be called "yams" In New Zealand, the oca (Oxalis tuberosa) is typically referred to as "yam" In Japan, konjac corms are often colloquially referred to as a "yams" In Malaysia and Singapore the taro is referred to as a "yam" Yam has various common names across multiple world regions. A monocot related to lilies and grasses, yams are vigorous herbaceous vines, providing an edible tuber. They are native to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Some yams are also invasive plants, often considered a "noxious weed", outside cultivated areas. Yam tubers vary in size from that of a small potato to over 60 kg (130 lb). Some 870 species of yams are known, and 95% of these crops are grown in Africa.Yam tubers can grow up to 15 m (49 ft) in length and 7.6 to 15.2 cm (3.0 to 6.0 in) high. The tuber may grow into the soil up to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) deep. The plant disperses by seed. The edible tuber has a rough skin difficult to peel, but softens after heating. The skins vary in color from dark brown to light pink. The majority of the vegetable is composed of a much softer substance known as the "meat". This substance ranges in color from white or yellow to purple or pink in mature yams.
How do you think Santa hasn't been spotted for this long? Kristine 'showed them the magic of Christmas'. She's somewhere in between a furry and a normal looking cat, as she can run either on all fours, or only two. She can also fly with her bow wings! Why? Magic, that's why. I also simplified the design quite a bit. ┐(‘～`；)┌ Hope you don't mind! <3 ( also the music is eerily fitting ^^; )
