Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Dioscoreales
Genus:
Species:
contracta
ID:
390711

Status:
valid

Authors:
R.Knuth

Source:
wcs

Year:
1917

Citation Micro:
Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 7: 190 (1917)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000390043



Common Names

  • Dioscorea contracta
  • Contracted Yam
  • Contracted Wild Yam


Searching for Dioscorea contracta? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Description

Dioscorea contracta (also called Narrowleaf Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial climbing plant native to China and Japan. It is found in forests, thickets, and grasslands, and grows to a height of 1-2 meters. Its leaves are alternate, lanceolate, and its flowers are yellowish-white.

Uses & Benefits

Dioscorea contracta is used as an ornamental plant in gardens, as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments, and as a food source.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Dioscorea contracta 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.

Searching for Dioscorea contracta? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Dioscorea contracta 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 contracta

Dioscorea contracta is native to tropical Africa and parts of Asia.

Dioscorea contracta FAQ

What is the scientific name of Dioscorea contracta?

Dioscorea contracta

What is the common name of Dioscorea contracta?

Contracted Yam

What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea contracta?

Dioscorea contracta 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