Status:
valid
Authors:
Roxb.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1832
Citation Micro:
Fl. Ind., ed. 1832. 3: 804 (1832)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000390742
Common Names
- Glabrous Yam
- Glabrous Wild Yam
- Dioscorea glabra
Synonyms
- Dioscorea hongkongense Uline ex R.Knuth [unknown]
- Dioscorea nummularia Roxb. [unknown]
Description
Dioscorea glabra (also called Smooth Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Africa. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions, typically in grasslands, open woodlands, and savannas. It has a thick, tuberous root and broad, ovate leaves.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea glabra is used as a food source, as an ornamental plant, and for its medicinal properties. It is also used as a soil conditioner and for erosion control.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Dioscorea glabra has yellow flowers that are clustered together in small bunches. Its seeds are small and black, and the seedlings have a single stem with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea glabra can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C (14°F).
Where to Find Dioscorea glabra
Dioscorea glabra is native to tropical Africa and is found in tropical forests, savannas, and grasslands.
Dioscorea glabra FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea glabra?
Dioscorea glabra
What is the common name of Dioscorea glabra?
Smooth Yam
What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea glabra?
Tropical and subtropical moist montane forests
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,