Status:
valid
Authors:
Turcz.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1837
Citation Micro:
Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 7: 158 (1837)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000393961
Common Names
- Dioscorea polystachya
- Chinese Yam
- Air Potato
Description
Dioscorea polystachya (also called Yam, among many other common names) is a species of flowering vine in the family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It grows in moist, shaded areas.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea polystachya is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It has a beautiful foliage and can be used as a hedge or screen. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Dioscorea polystachya has small, yellowish-white flowers with five petals. Its seeds are small and black, and its seedlings have two cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea polystachya is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 2 m in height. It prefers a sunny position in well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood shoots and rooted in a well-drained, sandy soil mix.
Where to Find Dioscorea polystachya
Dioscorea polystachya is native to India and can be found in tropical and subtropical forests.
Dioscorea polystachya FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea polystachya?
Dioscorea polystachya
What is the common name of Dioscorea polystachya?
Chinese Yam
What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea polystachya?
It is native to China, Japan, and Korea
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,