Status:
valid
Authors:
Thunb.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1784
Citation Micro:
Syst. Veg., ed. 14. : 889 (1784)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000391392
Common Names
- Japanese Yam
- Udo
- Japanese Mountain Yam
Description
Dioscorea japonica (also called Dioscorea, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a creeping habit. It is native to South America and is found in wet and dry forests, as well as in grasslands. It has a thick, woody stem and small, yellow flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea japonica is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat fever, malaria, and dysentery.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Dioscorea japonica var. japonica
Dioscorea japonica var. pilifera C.T.Ting & M.C.Chang
Dioscorea japonica var. nagarum Prain & Burkill
Dioscorea japonica var. oldhamii R.Knuth
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Dioscorea japonica is yellow and has five petals. The seed is small, round and brown. The seedlings are thin and fragile.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea japonica is a perennial herbaceous vine that grows up to 2 m tall. It is native to East Asia and can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a warm, moist environment and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems and placed in a moist, well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light.
Where to Find Dioscorea japonica
Dioscorea japonica is native to East Asia and can be found in moist forests and grasslands.
Dioscorea japonica FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea japonica?
Dioscorea japonica
What is the common name of Dioscorea japonica?
Japanese Yam
What is the native range of Dioscorea japonica?
Japan
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,