Pachyrhizus erosus, commonly known as
jicama (; Spanish
jícama ; from
Nahuatl xicamatl, ),
Mexican yam bean, or
Mexican turnip, is the name of a native Mexican
vine, although the name most commonly refers to the plant's edible
tuberous root. Jícama is a species in the genus
Pachyrhizus in the bean family (Fabaceae). Plants in this genus are commonly referred to as
yam bean, although the term "yam bean" can be another name for jícama. The other major species of yam beans are also indigenous within the
Americas.