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Description
Dioscorea Hispida, commonly known as the “Giant Yam” or “Wild Yam,” is a species of flowering plant found in tropical regions of Asia. It belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae and is widely cultivated for its tubers, which are edible and used in traditional medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Dioscoreales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Dioscorea |
Appearance
The Dioscorea Hispida plant grows as a vine or climber and can reach up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are heart-shaped, alternate, and grow up to 30 cm long and 25 cm wide. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color and grow in clusters. The fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds. The tubers are cylindrical, elongated, and can grow up to 1 meter in length and 30 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
The Dioscorea Hispida plant requires well-draining soil and regular watering. It prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dioscorea Hispida plant is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Regular inspection and treatment with organic insecticides and fungicides can help prevent infestations.
Habitat
The Dioscorea Hispida plant is native to tropical regions of Asia and is widely cultivated in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It grows in a range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Are the tubers of Dioscorea Hispida edible?
A: Yes, the tubers are edible and are used in traditional medicine.
Q: Can Dioscorea Hispida be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it has sufficient space to grow and climb.
Q: What is the best time to harvest the tubers?
A: The tubers can be harvested after the vines have died back, usually in the fall.
Q: Can Dioscorea Hispida be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing the tubers.
Related Plants
- Dioscorea alata (Purple Yam)
- Dioscorea bulbifera (Air Potato)
- Dioscorea oppositifolia (Chinese Yam)
- Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam)
References
- “Dioscorea Hispida.” Plant Resources of South-East Asia, no. 16, 1999, pp. 147-149.
- “Giant Yam.” Agroforestry Tree Database, World Agroforestry Centre. Accessed 15 Sept. 2021.
- “Dioscorea Hispida.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 15 Sept. 2021.
