Status:
valid
Authors:
R.Knuth
Source:
wcs
Year:
1924
Citation Micro:
Pflanzenr. , IV, 43: 268 (1924)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000390683
Common Names
- Dioscorea formosana
- Formosan Yam
- Formosa Yam
Description
Dioscorea formosana (also called Formosa yam, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous vine native to tropical regions of the Americas. It has a woody stem and produces large, heart-shaped leaves. It grows in moist, shaded areas such as forests, riverbanks, and roadsides.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea formosana is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Dioscorea formosana is small and white in color. The seed is a small, round, yellowish-brown nut. The seedlings are small and have a single, long, narrow leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea formosana 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 formosana
Dioscorea formosana is native to Taiwan.
Dioscorea formosana FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea formosana?
Dioscorea formosana
What is the common name of Dioscorea formosana?
Taiwan yam
What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea formosana?
It is native to Taiwan
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,