Status:
valid
Authors:
Hochst. ex Kunth
Source:
wcs
Year:
1850
Citation Micro:
Enum. Pl. 5: 387 (1850)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000388795
Common Names
- Dioscorea abyssinica
- Abyssinica Dioscorea
- Dioscorea
Description
Dioscorea abyssinica (also called Abyssinian Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan. It has an underground tuber and grows in dry grasslands and savannas.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea abyssinica has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It is also used for its ornamental value in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Dioscorea abyssinica are small, yellow and star-shaped. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are slender and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea abyssinica is a perennial herb that is propagated by seed. It prefers well-drained, light soils and full sun. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is best to sow the seeds in the spring and keep the soil moist until germination occurs. The plants should be spaced about 20 cm apart.
Where to Find Dioscorea abyssinica
Dioscorea abyssinica is native to Ethiopia and can be found in wet forests and savannas.
Dioscorea abyssinica FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea abyssinica?
Dioscorea abyssinica
What is the common name of Dioscorea abyssinica?
Abyssinian yam
What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea abyssinica?
It is found in dry, rocky areas of the southwestern United States
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,