Status:
valid
Authors:
R.Knuth
Source:
wcs
Year:
1924
Citation Micro:
Pflanzenr. , IV, 43: 65 (1924)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000395227
Common Names
- Dioscorea sericea
- Silky Yam
- Silky Dioscorea
Description
Dioscorea sericea (also called Silky Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial vine species of the Dioscoreaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist forests and grasslands. It has large, ovate leaves and white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea sericea is used as a medicinal plant, as an ornamental plant, and as a hedge plant.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Dioscorea sericea has small, yellow-green flowers with five petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have thin, light green stems and small, light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea sericea is a perennial herbaceous plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers a well-drained soil and full sun. It is drought tolerant and can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.
Where to Find Dioscorea sericea
Dioscorea sericea is native to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Dioscorea sericea FAQ
What are the medicinal uses of Dioscorea sericea?
Dioscorea sericea is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and stomach aches.
What is the distribution of Dioscorea sericea?
Dioscorea sericea is native to the Amazon rainforest in South America.
What is the habitat of Dioscorea sericea?
Dioscorea sericea is found in moist, shady forests, usually near rivers.
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,