Status:
valid
Authors:
(Phil.) Caddick & Wilkin
Source:
wcs
Year:
2002
Citation Micro:
Taxon 51: 112 (2002)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000389281
Common Names
- Biloba Yam
- Dioscorea Biloba
- Biloba Yam Bean
Description
Dioscorea biloba (also called Bilobed Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous vine native to China, India, and Pakistan. It has a woody stem and can grow up to 3 meters long. It prefers moist, shady habitats and is often found in forests and along streams.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea biloba is used as a food source for livestock, as a forage crop, and as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Dioscorea biloba sub. biloba
Dioscorea biloba sub. coquimbana Viruel, Segarra & Villar
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Flower: Dioscorea biloba has small, yellow, bell-shaped flowers. Seeds: The seeds of Dioscorea biloba are small, dark brown and oval-shaped. Seedlings: Dioscorea biloba seedlings have thin, green leaves and a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea biloba can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It is best grown in a sheltered spot, as it can be damaged by strong winds. It is a vigorous climber and will need to be supported. It can be propagated by division in spring or by seed in spring or early summer.
Where to Find Dioscorea biloba
Dioscorea biloba is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America.
Dioscorea biloba FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea biloba?
Dioscorea biloba
What is the common name of Dioscorea biloba?
Biloba Yam
What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea biloba?
Dry and moist forests
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,