Status:
valid
Authors:
Griseb.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1842
Citation Micro:
Fl. Bras. 3(1): 45 (1842)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000390706
Common Names
- Dioscorea furcata
- Furcata Yam
- Forked Yam
Synonyms
- Helmia furcata (Griseb.) R.Knuth [deprecated]
- Helmia fracta (Griseb.) R.Knuth [deprecated]
Description
Dioscorea furcata (also called Forked yam, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous vine native to tropical regions of the Americas. It has a woody stem and produces large, heart-shaped leaves. It grows in moist, shaded areas such as forests, riverbanks, and roadsides.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea furcata is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Dioscorea furcata are small and yellow, and the seeds are round and black. The seedlings are thin and have long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea furcata is a perennial herb native to Mexico. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a warm, moist environment and divisions should be taken in the spring or summer.
Where to Find Dioscorea furcata
Dioscorea furcata is native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Dioscorea furcata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea furcata?
Dioscorea furcata
What is the common name of Dioscorea furcata?
Forked yam
What is the growth habit of Dioscorea furcata?
It is a perennial herb with a climbing habit.
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,