Description
Dioscorea gracilipes (also called slender-footed yam, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to Africa, where it is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Zambia. It typically grows in moist, shaded areas, such as tropical and subtropical moist montane forests.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea gracilipes is used as a food source and for its medicinal properties. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, stomach pain, and skin diseases. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Dioscorea gracilipes is a small, yellow-greenish, bell-shaped flower. Its seeds are small and round, and its seedlings are thin, long, and have small, dark-green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea gracilipes is a tropical plant native to Madagascar. It is a perennial vine that grows up to 6 feet in length. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and small, yellow flowers. It is propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or root cuttings. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to 40°F.
Where to Find Dioscorea gracilipes
Dioscorea gracilipes is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and can be found in the wild in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.