Dioscoreales

Description

Dioscoreales is an order of flowering plants that includes around 900 species. These plants are commonly known as yams, and they belong to the monocotyledonous group of angiosperms. Dioscoreales are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and they are used as a food source in many cultures. The plants can range in size from small herbaceous vines to large woody climbers, and they have a wide variety of leaf shapes and flower colors.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Monocotyledonae
Order	Dioscoreales
Family	Dioscoreaceae, Burmanniaceae, Taccaceae, Trichopodaceae
Genus	Dioscorea, Tacca, Burmannia, Trichopus

Appearance

Dioscoreales have a wide variety of appearances. Some species are small herbaceous vines, while others are large woody climbers. The leaves can be simple, lobed, or pinnate, and they may be alternate or opposite. The flowers are typically small and inconspicuous, although some species have showy flowers. The color of the flowers can range from white to yellow to purple.

Care Guide

Dioscoreales are generally easy to care for. They prefer a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plants should be watered regularly, but they should not be overwatered. Fertilizer can be applied every two to three months during the growing season. The plants prefer full sun to partial shade, and they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Depending on the species, Dioscoreales can be grown in hardiness zones 8 through 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dioscoreales are susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. The plants can be attacked by spider mites, thrips, and aphids. Fungal diseases, such as root rot and leaf spot, can also be a problem. To prevent pests and diseases, it is important to keep the plants healthy and well-watered. If pests or diseases do occur, they can be controlled with insecticides or fungicides.

Habitat

Dioscoreales are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They are commonly grown in Africa, Asia, and South America, but they can also be found in other parts of the world. The plants are typically found in forests, savannas, and other areas with high humidity.

Question and Answer

Q: Are yams and sweet potatoes the same thing?

A: No, yams and sweet potatoes are not the same thing. Yams are a type of Dioscorea, while sweet potatoes are a type of Ipomoea.

Q: Are all Dioscoreales edible?

A: No, not all Dioscoreales are edible. Some species are toxic and should not be eaten.

Q: Can Dioscoreales be grown indoors?

A: Yes, some species of Dioscoreales can be grown indoors. However, they will need a lot of space and light to grow properly.

Q: What is the most common use for Dioscoreales?

A: The most common use for Dioscoreales is as a food source. The plants are used to produce yams, which are a staple food in many cultures.

Related Plants

• Asparagales
• Liliales
• Commelinales
• Zingiberales

References

• Christenhusz, M. J. M., & Byng, J. W. (2016). The number of known plants species in the world and its annual increase. Phytotaxa, 261(3), 201-217.
• Nauheimer, L., Boyce, P. C., & Renner, S. S. (2012). Giant taro and its relatives–a phylogeny of the large genus Alocasia (Araceae) sheds light on Miocene floristic exchange in the Malesian region. Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 63(1), 43-51.
• Staples, G. W., & Fahn, A. (2011). Dioscoreales. In Flowering plants. Monocots (pp. 175-194). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.