Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Dioscoreales
Genus:
Species:
ovata
ID:
393830

Status:
valid

Authors:
Vell.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1831

Citation Micro:
Fl. Flumin. 10: t. 117 (1831)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000393162



Common Names

  • Chinese Yam
  • Air Potato
  • Climbing Yam


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Synonyms

  • Dioscorea adenocarpa balansae Uline [unknown]

Description

Dioscorea ovata (also called Chinese Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial vine native to East Asia. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and small, white flowers. It grows in moist, shady areas, such as rainforests and cloud forests.

Uses & Benefits

Dioscorea ovata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Dioscorea ovata is a white, star-shaped flower with a yellow center. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, thin, and have a light green color.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Dioscorea ovata can be propagated from seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Division can be done in spring or autumn. The plant should be divided into several sections and replanted in a well-drained soil mix.

Where to Find Dioscorea ovata

Dioscorea ovata is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia.

Dioscorea ovata FAQ

What is the scientific name of Dioscorea ovata?

Dioscorea ovata

What are the common names of Dioscorea ovata?

Ovate Yam

What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea ovata?

Tropical rainforests of Central and South America

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,