Dioscorea: Difference between revisions

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'''Dioscorea''' is a genus of over 600 species of flowering plants in the family Dioscoreaceae, native throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. The vast majority of the species are tropical, with only a few species extending into temperate climates. It is named after the ancient Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides.
== Dioscorea ==
 
[[File:Dioscorea_balcanica_BotGardBln310505.jpg|thumb|right|Dioscorea balcanica in the Botanical Garden of Berlin]]
 
'''Dioscorea''' is a genus of over 600 species of flowering plants in the family [[Dioscoreaceae]], native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. These plants are commonly known as "yams," although the term "yam" is also used for unrelated tuberous plants in other families.


== Description ==
== Description ==
The plants are herbaceous vines, growing from tubers. They can grow up to 6 meters (20 ft) tall. The leaves are spirally arranged, heart-shaped or lanceolate. The flowers are individually inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, with six petals; male and female flowers are produced on separate plants (dioecious).
Dioscorea species are herbaceous vines that grow from a tuber. The leaves are often heart-shaped, and the flowers are typically small and inconspicuous. The plants are dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female.
 
== Distribution ==
Dioscorea species are found in a wide range of habitats, from tropical rainforests to temperate regions. They are particularly diverse in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.


== Uses ==
== Uses ==
The best-known species is the yam (D. rotundata), an important food crop in Africa. Several other species are grown for their large edible tubers in Africa and Asia. Others are used for their medicinal value.
Many species of Dioscorea are cultivated for their edible tubers, which are an important food source in many parts of the world. The tubers are rich in carbohydrates and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, baking, and frying.
 
== Cultivation ==
Dioscorea plants are typically grown from tubers or cuttings. They require a warm climate and well-drained soil. The vines need support to grow, and they are often trained to climb trellises or other structures.


== Species ==
== Species ==
There are over 600 species of Dioscorea. Some of the more notable species include:
Some notable species of Dioscorea include:
* [[Dioscorea alata]] - Known as "water yam," it is widely cultivated in the tropics.
* [[Dioscorea rotundata]] - Known as "white yam," it is a staple food in West Africa.
* [[Dioscorea esculenta]] - Known as "lesser yam," it is cultivated in Southeast Asia.


* [[Dioscorea alata]], the purple yam
== Related pages ==
* [[Dioscorea bulbifera]], the air potato
* [[Dioscorea cayenensis]], yellow Guinea yam
* [[Dioscorea dumetorum]], bitter yam
* [[Dioscorea esculenta]], lesser yam
* [[Dioscorea hispida]], intoxicating yam
* [[Dioscorea japonica]], East Asian yam
* [[Dioscorea mexicana]], Mexican yam
* [[Dioscorea opposita]], Chinese yam
* [[Dioscorea polystachya]], Chinese yam
* [[Dioscorea rotundata]], white yam
* [[Dioscorea trifida]], cush-cush yam
* [[Dioscorea villosa]], wild yam
 
== See also ==
* [[Yam (vegetable)]]
* [[Yam (vegetable)]]
* [[Diosgenin]]
* [[Dioscoreaceae]]
* [[Dioscorides]]
* [[Tuber]]
 
== References ==
<references />


== External links ==
{{Taxonbar|from=Q157303}}
* [http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/Research/APweb/orders/dioscorealesweb.htm#Dioscoreaceae Dioscoreaceae] in L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). The families of flowering plants.


[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Dioscorea]]
[[Category:Dioscorea]]
[[Category:Yams]]
[[Category:Dioscoreaceae]]
{{stub}}
[[Category:Edible plants]]

Latest revision as of 16:26, 16 February 2025

Dioscorea[edit]

Dioscorea balcanica in the Botanical Garden of Berlin

Dioscorea is a genus of over 600 species of flowering plants in the family Dioscoreaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. These plants are commonly known as "yams," although the term "yam" is also used for unrelated tuberous plants in other families.

Description[edit]

Dioscorea species are herbaceous vines that grow from a tuber. The leaves are often heart-shaped, and the flowers are typically small and inconspicuous. The plants are dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female.

Distribution[edit]

Dioscorea species are found in a wide range of habitats, from tropical rainforests to temperate regions. They are particularly diverse in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Uses[edit]

Many species of Dioscorea are cultivated for their edible tubers, which are an important food source in many parts of the world. The tubers are rich in carbohydrates and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, baking, and frying.

Cultivation[edit]

Dioscorea plants are typically grown from tubers or cuttings. They require a warm climate and well-drained soil. The vines need support to grow, and they are often trained to climb trellises or other structures.

Species[edit]

Some notable species of Dioscorea include:

Related pages[edit]