Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Dioscoreales
Genus:
Species:
communis
ID:
390665

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) Caddick & Wilkin

Source:
wcs

Year:
2002

Citation Micro:
Taxon 51: 112 (2002)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000389997



Common Names

  • Dioscorea communis
  • Communis Dioscorea
  • Dioscorea Communis


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Synonyms

  • Tamus communis cretica (L.) Kit Tan [unknown]
  • Smilax rubra Willd. [unknown]

Description

Dioscorea communis (also called Wild Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial vine native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and yellowish-white flowers. It is found in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as in open areas with sandy soils.

Uses & Benefits

Dioscorea communis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, headaches, and stomach aches.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Dioscorea communis has white-yellow flowers with six petals and three sepals. The seeds are small and round with a dark brown color. The seedlings have long, thin stems with small, pointed leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Dioscorea communis can be propagated by seed or by division. Seeds should be sown in spring in a cold frame. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are large enough to handle. The plant can also be propagated by division of the clumps in spring or autumn.

Where to Find Dioscorea communis

Dioscorea communis can be found in tropical regions of Central and South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Dioscorea communis FAQ

What is the scientific name of Dioscorea communis?

Dioscorea communis

What is the common name of Dioscorea communis?

Common Yam

What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea communis?

It is native to the southeastern United States

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

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-239990: Based on the initial data import
Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Paul Wilkin (b.1964): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Wilkin' in the authors string.
Lizabeth R. Caddick (b.1972): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Caddick' in the authors string.