Status:
valid
Authors:
Prain & Burkill
Source:
wcs
Year:
1927
Citation Micro:
Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1927: 246 (1927)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000393295
Common Names
- Dioscorea paradoxa
- Paradox Yam
- Paradox Wild Yam
Description
Dioscorea paradoxa (also called Paradoxical Yam, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It is characterized by its ovate leaves and its small white flowers. It is found in tropical rainforests, woodlands, and grasslands.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea paradoxa is used in traditional medicine for treating a variety of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and skin diseases. It is also used as a food source, as its tubers are edible and can be boiled or roasted. The plant is also used as an ornamental in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Dioscorea paradoxa are small, white or yellowish, and borne in dense, axillary clusters. The seeds are small, brown, and oblong. The seedlings have lanceolate leaves and a long, thin stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea paradoxa is a perennial climber that can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. It prefers a warm, humid climate and well-drained soil. It should be grown in full sun or partial shade and requires regular watering. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Where to Find Dioscorea paradoxa
Dioscorea paradoxa is found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
Dioscorea paradoxa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea paradoxa?
Dioscorea paradoxa
What is the family of Dioscorea paradoxa?
Dioscoreaceae
Where is Dioscorea paradoxa native to?
India
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,