Contents
Description
Dioscorea Cirrhosa is a perennial climbing vine that is native to Asia. It belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae and is commonly known as Chinese yam or cinnamon vine. The plant is widely cultivated for its edible tubers, which have a texture similar to potatoes and a slightly sweet taste. The tubers are used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Dioscoreales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Dioscorea |
Appearance
The Dioscorea Cirrhosa vine can grow up to 10 meters in length and has heart-shaped leaves that are about 10-15 cm long. The plant produces small flowers that are white or greenish-yellow in color and are arranged in clusters. The tubers, which are the edible part of the plant, are cylindrical in shape and can grow up to 50 cm in length and 10 cm in diameter. They have a rough, brownish-yellow skin and a white, starchy flesh.
Care Guide
Dioscorea Cirrhosa is an easy plant to grow, but it requires some care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your plant:- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dioscorea Cirrhosa is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, here are some issues that you may encounter:- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Root rot: This fungal disease can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Dioscorea Cirrhosa is native to Asia and is commonly found in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountain slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Dioscorea Cirrhosa a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Dioscorea Cirrhosa is an easy plant to grow and is suitable for beginners.
Q: Can you eat the tubers of Dioscorea Cirrhosa?
A: Yes, the tubers of Dioscorea Cirrhosa are edible and are used in traditional medicine.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Dioscorea Cirrhosa?
A: The plant prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Q: Is Dioscorea Cirrhosa a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Dioscorea Cirrhosa is a perennial plant.
Related Plants
– Dioscorea Polystachya- Dioscorea Alata- Dioscorea Opposita- Dioscorea Bulbifera
References
– Flora of China. (n.d.). Dioscorea cirrhosa. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200027012- Plants for a Future. (n.d.). Dioscorea cirrhosa. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dioscorea+cirrhosa
