Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Dioscoreales
Genus:
Species:
alata
ID:
389532

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 1033 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000388864

Common Names

  • Dioscorea alata
  • Winged Yam
  • Winged Dioscorea

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Synonyms

  • Dioscorea sapinii De Wildemann [deprecated]

Description

Dioscorea alata (also called Winged Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to East Africa. It has a woody rootstock and is found in grassland and bushveld habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Dioscorea alata is used as an ornamental plant, for erosion control, and as a source of food and medicine.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Dioscorea alata is a yellow-green, star-shaped flower with six petals. The seed is a small, dark brown, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, dark green, and have a single, thin stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Dioscorea alata is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly and fertilized occasionally. Pruning is not necessary.

Where to Find Dioscorea alata

Dioscorea alata can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia.

Dioscorea alata FAQ

What is the scientific name of Dioscorea alata?

Dioscorea alata

What is the common name of Dioscorea alata?

Winged Yam

What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea alata?

It is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.

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