Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Dioscoreales
Genus:
Species:
cayennensis
ID:
390390

Status:
valid

Authors:
Lam.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1789

Citation Micro:
Encycl. 3: 233 (1789)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000389722



Common Names

  • Cayenne Yam
  • Cayenne Wild Yam
  • Cayenne Dioscorea


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Description

Dioscorea cayennensis (also called Cayenne Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial climbing vine native to South America. It typically grows to a height of 10–15 m (33–49 ft) and has a twining growth habit. Its leaves are heart-shaped and its flowers are small and yellow. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and is often found in tropical and subtropical forests.

Uses & Benefits

Dioscorea cayennensis is used as a medicinal plant and as a food source. It is also used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Dioscorea cayennensis sub. cayennensis
Dioscorea cayennensis sub. rotundata (Poir.) J.Miège

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Dioscorea cayennensis is white with six petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and green.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Dioscorea cayennensis is a perennial vine that can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings. It prefers well-drained, moist soil and full sun. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C. It can be grown in containers or in the ground.

Where to Find Dioscorea cayennensis

Dioscorea cayennensis can be found in the tropical forests of South America, particularly in Brazil.

Dioscorea cayennensis FAQ

What is the scientific name of Dioscorea cayennensis?

Dioscorea cayennensis

What is the common name of Dioscorea cayennensis?

Cayenne Yam

What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea cayennensis?

Dioscorea cayennensis is native to South America

Species in the Dioscorea genus

Dioscorea abysmophila, Dioscorea abyssinica, Dioscorea acanthogene, Dioscorea acerifolia, Dioscorea acuminata, Dioscorea adenantha, Dioscorea aesculifolia, Dioscorea aguilarii, Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea alatipes, Dioscorea althaeoides, Dioscorea amaranthoides, Dioscorea amazonum, Dioscorea amoena, Dioscorea analalavensis, Dioscorea ancachsensis, Dioscorea andina, Dioscorea andromedusae, Dioscorea anomala, Dioscorea antaly, Dioscorea antucoana, Dioscorea arachidna, Dioscorea araucana, Dioscorea arcuatinervis, Dioscorea argyrogyna, Dioscorea arifolia, Dioscorea aristolochiifolia, Dioscorea asclepiadea, Dioscorea aspera, Dioscorea aspersa, Dioscorea asperula, Dioscorea asteriscus, Dioscorea atrescens, Dioscorea auriculata, Dioscorea bahiensis, Dioscorea balcanica, Dioscorea bancana, Dioscorea banzhuana, Dioscorea bartlettii, Dioscorea basiclavicaulis, Dioscorea baya, Dioscorea beecheyi, Dioscorea belophylla, Dioscorea bemandry, Dioscorea bemarivensis, Dioscorea benthamii, Dioscorea berenicea, Dioscorea bermejensis, Dioscorea bernoulliana, Dioscorea besseriana,

Species in the Dioscoreaceae family

Dioscorea abysmophila, Dioscorea abyssinica, Dioscorea acanthogene, Dioscorea acerifolia, Dioscorea acuminata, Dioscorea adenantha, Dioscorea aesculifolia, Dioscorea aguilarii, Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea alatipes, Dioscorea althaeoides, Dioscorea amaranthoides, Dioscorea amazonum, Dioscorea amoena, Dioscorea analalavensis, Dioscorea ancachsensis, Dioscorea andina, Dioscorea andromedusae, Dioscorea anomala, Dioscorea antaly, Dioscorea antucoana, Dioscorea arachidna, Dioscorea araucana, Dioscorea arcuatinervis, Dioscorea argyrogyna, Dioscorea arifolia, Dioscorea aristolochiifolia, Dioscorea asclepiadea, Dioscorea aspera, Dioscorea aspersa, Dioscorea asperula, Dioscorea asteriscus, Dioscorea atrescens, Dioscorea auriculata, Dioscorea bahiensis, Dioscorea balcanica, Dioscorea bancana, Dioscorea banzhuana, Dioscorea bartlettii, Dioscorea basiclavicaulis, Dioscorea baya, Dioscorea beecheyi, Dioscorea belophylla, Dioscorea bemandry, Dioscorea bemarivensis, Dioscorea benthamii, Dioscorea berenicea, Dioscorea bermejensis, Dioscorea bernoulliana, Dioscorea besseriana,

References