Status:
valid
Authors:
(L'Hér.) Engl.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1908
Citation Micro:
Veg. Erde 9(III 2): 367 (1908)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000390554
Common Names
- Elephantipes Yam
- Elephantipes Wild Yam
- Elephantipes Chinese Yam
Synonyms
- Testudinaria elephantipes Salisb. [unknown]
Description
Dioscorea elephantipes (also called Elephant's Foot Yam, among many other common names) is a species of perennial flowering plant in the Dioscoreaceae family. It is native to Africa and is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows in moist and shady habitats, such as forests and woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea elephantipes is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used for erosion control on slopes. It is also used as a food source for livestock.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Dioscorea elephantipes are small and yellow-green in color. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are thin and have a single leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea elephantipes is a fast-growing, perennial vine native to Mexico. It can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept warm and moist until they germinate. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and allowed to dry for a few days before planting. Once established, the plant should be watered sparingly and kept in a sunny location.
Where to Find Dioscorea elephantipes
Dioscorea elephantipes is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America.
Dioscorea elephantipes FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea elephantipes?
Dioscorea elephantipes
What is the common name of Dioscorea elephantipes?
Fingerleaf yam
What is the native range of Dioscorea elephantipes?
India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia
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,