Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 1032 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000393431
Common Names
- Dioscorea pentaphylla
- Pentaphylla Yam
- Yam
Description
Dioscorea pentaphylla (also called Five-Leaf Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Mexico and Central America. It has a climbing stem with alternate, ovate to heart-shaped leaves and yellowish-green flowers. It grows in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as in open areas and disturbed habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea pentaphylla is used for its edible roots, which are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. It is also used as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments like fever, inflammation, and skin diseases.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Dioscorea pentaphylla are white and have six petals. The seeds are small, black and oval-shaped. The seedlings are small and have a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea pentaphylla can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and placed in a moist, well-draining soil mix. Both methods should be kept in a warm, bright location and watered regularly.
Where to Find Dioscorea pentaphylla
Dioscorea pentaphylla is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Dioscorea pentaphylla FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea pentaphylla?
Dioscorea pentaphylla
What is the common name of Dioscorea pentaphylla?
Fiveleaf yam
What is the native range of Dioscorea pentaphylla?
Southern China, India, and Southeast Asia
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,