yampee

[yam-pee]

noun

a vine, Dioscorea trifida, of South America, having large leaves and edible tubers.

Origin of yampee

First recorded in 1790–1800; perhaps ultimately of West African orig.; compare Vai (Mande language of Liberia and Sierra Leone) džambi wild yam

Also called cush-cush.

When I pointed to the fresh water, he said slowly and distinctly, "Yampee, Yampee."
Discoveries in Australia, Volume 1.
J Lort Stokes