Description
Dioscorea grisebachii (also called Grisebach's yam, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to Africa, where it is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Zambia. It typically grows in moist, shaded areas, such as tropical and subtropical moist montane forests.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea grisebachii is used as a food source and for its medicinal properties. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, stomach pain, and skin diseases. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Dioscorea grisebachii is a white, star-shaped flower with six petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea grisebachii can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Where to Find Dioscorea grisebachii
Dioscorea grisebachii is native to tropical Asia and can be found in India, China, and Southeast Asia.