Status:
valid
Authors:
Uline ex Prain
Source:
wcs
Year:
1916
Citation Micro:
Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1916: 194 (1916)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000392387
Common Names
- Melastomatifolia Yam
- Dioscorea melastomatifolia
Description
Dioscorea melastomatifolia (also called Melastomatifolia Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial climbing plant native to tropical Africa. It has a tuberous rootstock and grows to a height of 6 to 10 m. It prefers moist, shady habitats and is often found in forest margins.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea melastomatifolia is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of fever, malaria, and dysentery. It is also used as a food source in some parts of Asia.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Dioscorea melastomatifolia has small, yellow flowers with five petals. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small, with oval-shaped leaves and a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea melastomatifolia is a perennial herbaceous vine that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is best to start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Cuttings can be taken in spring or summer and rooted in a moist medium. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
Where to Find Dioscorea melastomatifolia
Dioscorea melastomatifolia can be found in the mountains of Yunnan, China.
Dioscorea melastomatifolia FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea melastomatifolia?
Dioscorea melastomatifolia
What is the common name of Dioscorea melastomatifolia?
Melastome Yam
What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea melastomatifolia?
Tropical moist 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,