What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

It turns out that humans are a forgotten offshoot of another star-faring race, but we've been stunted because a certain plant (I recall it being something like a yam) doesn't grow on Earth, but is necessary to trigger development of the human body from the reproduction stage (our adulthood) to a protective superelder stage.

I'm sure that's more than enough for someone to name it!

It's Super Yam! Filled with fiber AND super powers!

Sadly, I've never heard of this book, but I can't wait to find out. Your title is just too funny! Maybe marshmallows are an essential catalyst?

lol, I love that description.

Actually, the book you are refering to Larry Niven's Protector was a kind of pre-quel to his very popular Ringworld series. It was a very good series.

Bingo. I can't recall whether the key vegetables were described as being yam-like, but that's how I remember them. Delightful premise, especially for a middle-aged person still trying to figure out what to do with their life.

Larry Niven writes über-geek SciFi, but if you can handle him, this is a great book.