🌱 Garden ME Open the free app

Elephant foot yam (suran, buk) Amorphophallus paeoniifolius

Elephant foot yam (suran, buk) (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) is a deciduous perennial vegetable in the Araceae family, native to Tropical Asia (India to Southeast Asia, New Guinea and northern Australia). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 90 cm (35 in) apart.

Plan Elephant foot yam (suran, buk) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.

Elephant foot yam (suran, buk) at a glance

TypePerennial vegetable, deciduous
FamilyAraceae
Mature height1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft)
Mature spread1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft)
Spacing90 cm (35 in) centre to centre
SunPart sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day
WaterModerate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none
Soil pH5.5–7
Cold hardinessAbout 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11)
Heat stressLikely above about 38 °C (100 °F)
Floweringfrom about April for 0–1 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceLow
Pollinator valueLow
EdibleYes: corm (cooked well), young leaf stalks (cooked)
Native toTropical Asia (India to Southeast Asia, New Guinea and northern Australia)
Common in gardens of🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇻🇳 Vietnam

Is Elephant foot yam (suran, buk) toxic?

Calcium oxalate raphides: raw tissue burns the mouth and throat and the sap itches. Peel, boil and discard the water; tamarind or kokum is traditionally added.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Elephant foot yam (suran, buk)

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.

Questions about Elephant foot yam (suran, buk)

How far apart should I plant Elephant foot yam (suran, buk)?
About 90 cm (35 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
Does Elephant foot yam (suran, buk) need full sun?
Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Elephant foot yam (suran, buk) need?
Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
How cold-hardy is Elephant foot yam (suran, buk)?
It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
When does Elephant foot yam (suran, buk) flower?
From about April for 0–1 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Elephant foot yam (suran, buk) poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Calcium oxalate raphides: raw tissue burns the mouth and throat and the sap itches. Peel, boil and discard the water; tamarind or kokum is traditionally added.
What grows well with Elephant foot yam (suran, buk)?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Elephant foot yam (suran, buk). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).

Notes and assumptions

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

Related plants