Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Dioscoreales
Genus:
Species:
spongiosa
ID:
396204

Status:
valid

Authors:
J.Q.Xi, M.Mizuno & W.L.Zhao

Source:
wcs

Year:
1987

Citation Micro:
Acta Phytotax. Sin. 25: 52 (1987)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000395536



Common Names

  • Spongiosa Yam
  • Sponge Yam
  • Climbing Yam


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Description

Dioscorea spongiosa (also called Spongy Yam, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. It is a perennial vine that grows in moist, shady areas, often near streams or rivers.

Uses & Benefits

Dioscorea spongiosa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in rock gardens. It is attractive to bees and butterflies and is drought-tolerant.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Dioscorea spongiosa is a small, white, five-petalled flower with a yellow center. The seed is a small, dark brown, ovoid seed. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Dioscorea spongiosa is a perennial plant that can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate some drought but performs best with regular watering. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms.

Where to Find Dioscorea spongiosa

Dioscorea spongiosa is native to tropical Africa and can be found in moist, shady areas.

Dioscorea spongiosa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Dioscorea spongiosa?

Dioscorea spongiosa

What is the common name of Dioscorea spongiosa?

Spongy yam

What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea spongiosa?

Tropical rainforests, open woodlands, and disturbed areas

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,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-240955: Based on the initial data import
Jing Qing Xi: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'J.Q.Xi' in the authors string.
Makoto Mizuno (b.1950): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'M.Mizuno' in the authors string.
Wei Liang Zhao: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'W.L.Zhao' in the authors string.