yamsma

Yamsma is a fictional genus of tuberous flowering plants described for illustrative purposes. It contains a single species, Yamsma tuberosa. In the imagined flora, Yamsma tuberosa is a perennial herb native to the cloud forests of the Veridia Archipelago, occurring at elevations of 800–1,500 meters. It grows to about 0.5–0.9 meters tall, with broad, ovate leaves and tuberous underground roots. The plant produces small, pale purple flowers arranged in loose inflorescences; the fruit is a dry capsule. The tubers serve as a food source in local cultures and are noted for their high starch content and resilient storage qualities.

The genus name Yamsma is formed from a regional term for yam combined with a standard Latin suffix; tuberosa refers to the tuberous habit of the species. The species was first described by fictional botanists A. Fielden and R. Grove in 1984, with the holotype collected on Mount Lira.

Endemic to misty montane forests, Yamsma tuberosa is adapted to cool, humid climates and shade, often growing in leaf litter over loamy soils. It is pollinated by native bees and forms part of a small tuber-based food web; tubers are harvested by humans after cooking. In the imagined setting, Yamsma tuberosa is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and climate change. See also tuber crops; monotypic genera.