Status:
valid
Authors:
J.Koenig ex Spreng.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1815
Citation Micro:
Pl. Min. Cogn. Pug. 2: 92 (1815)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000396026
Common Names
- Dioscorea tomentosa
- Woolly Yam
- Woolly Wild Yam
Description
Dioscorea tomentosa (also called Hairy Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It grows up to 1 meter tall and has heart-shaped leaves. It is found in moist, shady areas.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea tomentosa is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is also used as a food source and as a source of fiber.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Dioscorea tomentosa has yellowish-green flowers with five petals. Its seeds are small and black. The seedlings have long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea tomentosa is a perennial vine that grows best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate some drought. Propagation is usually done by seed or cuttings.
Where to Find Dioscorea tomentosa
Dioscorea tomentosa can be found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
Dioscorea tomentosa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea tomentosa?
Dioscorea tomentosa
What are the common names of Dioscorea tomentosa?
Woolly yam, Woolly yam
What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea tomentosa?
Dry woodland and scrubland
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,