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Description
Dioscorea Gracillima, commonly known as the Slender Yam, is a perennial vine that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The Slender Yam is widely cultivated in Japan, where it is used as a food crop.The Slender Yam has a climbing habit and can grow up to 10 meters in length. Its leaves are heart-shaped and alternate along the stem. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Dioscorea |
Appearance
The Slender Yam has a unique appearance, with heart-shaped leaves and long, slender stems that can grow up to 10 meters in length. The stems are green and have a rough texture. The leaves are also green and have a glossy surface. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
The Slender Yam requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: The Slender Yam requires moderate watering. Water the plant once a week, or when the top inch of soil is dry.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The Slender Yam prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The Slender Yam prefers partial shade. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves.Hardiness Zones: The Slender Yam is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Slender Yam is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:Pests: The Slender Yam can be attacked by spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Diseases: The Slender Yam can be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Treat infections with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Slender Yam is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It also prefers partial shade and moderate watering.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Slender Yam edible?
A: Yes, the Slender Yam is edible and is used as a food crop in Japan.Q: Can the Slender Yam be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Slender Yam can be grown indoors in a container with well-draining soil and partial shade.Q: Can the Slender Yam be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the Slender Yam can be propagated from stem cuttings.Q: Is the Slender Yam a fast-growing plant?
A: Yes, the Slender Yam is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 10 meters in length.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Slender Yam:
- Dioscorea Alata
- Dioscorea Bulbifera
- Dioscorea Opposita
- Dioscorea Villosa
References
- “Dioscorea Gracillima.” Plantz Africa. Accessed October 7, 2021. https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/dioscograccil.htm.
- “Slender Yam.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 7, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286506.
- “Dioscorea Gracillima.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed October 7, 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=240051.
