Status:
valid
Authors:
De Wild. & T.Durand
Source:
wcs
Year:
1899
Citation Micro:
Ann. Mus. Congo Belge, Bot. , sér. 2, 1(1): 58 (1899)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000395371
Common Names
- Chinese Yam
- Air Potato
- Cinnamon Vine
Synonyms
- Dioscorea echinulata De Wildemann [deprecated]
- Dioscorea flamignii De Wildemann [deprecated]
Description
Dioscorea smilacifolia (also called Smilax Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial vine species of the Dioscoreaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist forests and grasslands. It has large, ovate leaves and white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea smilacifolia is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and its leaves are used in traditional medicine.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Dioscorea smilacifolia has yellowish-green flowers and small, round, black seeds. The seedlings have a single, long, narrow leaf with a pointed tip.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea smilacifolia is a perennial vine that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It is best grown in well-drained, moist, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F). Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact shape.
Where to Find Dioscorea smilacifolia
Dioscorea smilacifolia is native to tropical Africa and can be found in moist, shady areas.
Dioscorea smilacifolia FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea smilacifolia?
Dioscorea smilacifolia
What is the common name of Dioscorea smilacifolia?
Smilax-leaved yam
Where is Dioscorea smilacifolia native to?
East Asia
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,