Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Dioscoreales
Genus:
Species:
esculenta
ID:
391269

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Lour.) Burkill

Source:
wcs

Year:
1917

Citation Micro:
Gard. Bull. Straits Settlem. 1: 396 (1917)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000390601



Common Names

  • Dioscorea esculenta
  • Chinese Yam
  • Japanese Yam


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Synonyms

  • Dioscorea esculenta esculenta [unknown]
  • Dioscorea esculenta fasciculata (Roxb.) R.Knuth [unknown]

Description

Dioscorea esculenta (also called 'Chinese Yam', among many other common names) is a perennial climber with tuberous roots native to India, China and Southeast Asia. It grows in tropical and subtropical rainforests, as well as in dry forests.

Uses & Benefits

Dioscorea esculenta is a medicinal plant used to treat various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and skin diseases. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a food crop.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Dioscorea esculenta are small and white, and the seeds are round and black. The seedlings are thin and have long, narrow leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Dioscorea esculenta is a perennial herb native to Mexico. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a warm, moist environment and divisions should be taken in the spring or summer.

Where to Find Dioscorea esculenta

Dioscorea esculenta is native to tropical Africa, from Nigeria to Angola.

Dioscorea esculenta FAQ

What is the scientific name of Dioscorea esculenta?

Dioscorea esculenta

What is the common name of Dioscorea esculenta?

Chinese yam

What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea esculenta?

It is native to China, Japan, and Korea

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-240117: Based on the initial data import
João de Loureiro (1710-1791): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Lour.' in the authors string.
Isaac Henry Burkill (1870-1965): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Burkill' in the authors string.