Status:
valid
Authors:
Prain & Burkill
Source:
wcs
Year:
1925
Citation Micro:
Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1925: 63 (1925)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000396443
Common Names
- Dioscorea vanvuurenii
- Vanvuurenii Yam
- Vanvuurenii's Yam
Description
Dioscorea vanvuurenii (also called Van Vuuren’s Yam, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Dioscoreaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist forests and grasslands. It is a herbaceous perennial with tuberous roots and climbing or trailing stems. The leaves are alternate, ovate-lanceolate, and the flowers are small and greenish-white.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea vanvuurenii is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It is also used as a food source and for its ornamental value.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Dioscorea vanvuurenii are small and yellow. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are thin and have long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea vanvuurenii is a perennial plant that is usually propagated by division. It prefers a well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C. It can be propagated by seed, but this is not recommended as it is a slow-growing plant. It can also be propagated by stem cuttings.
Where to Find Dioscorea vanvuurenii
Dioscorea vanvuurenii can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa.
Dioscorea vanvuurenii FAQ
What are the common names of Dioscorea vanvuurenii?
Van Vuuren's yam
What is the native range of Dioscorea vanvuurenii?
South Africa
What is the optimal growing temperature for Dioscorea vanvuurenii?
65-75°F (18-24°C)
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,