A Deep Dive into Dioscorea: More Than Just Yams
My name is Ferb Vu, and while I might not be a botanist by profession, I’ve always been fascinated by the diversity and ingenuity of the plant world. Lately, I’ve become particularly interested in the genus Dioscorea, more commonly known as yams. These plants, with their sprawling vines and starchy tubers, are a staple food crop in many parts of the world and have a rich history of both culinary and medicinal uses. But there’s much more to Dioscorea than meets the eye, and I’m excited to share some of what I’ve learned about this fascinating genus.
A World of Yams: Exploring the Diversity of Dioscorea
The first thing that struck me about Dioscorea is its sheer diversity. This genus boasts over 600 species, spread across tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide. While many of us associate yams with the large, starchy tubers found in supermarkets, the reality is far more varied. Some Dioscorea species have tubers that are small and round, while others are long and cylindrical. Some are even poisonous if consumed raw, requiring careful preparation before they can be safely eaten.
This incredible diversity is a testament to the adaptability of Dioscorea. These plants have evolved to thrive in a wide range of environments, from humid rainforests to arid savannas. They’ve also developed a fascinating array of strategies for survival, including the ability to climb trees using specialized tendrils and to reproduce both sexually and asexually.
Here are fascinating species within the Dioscorea genus:
- Dioscorea abysmophila Maguire & Steyerm.
- Dioscorea abyssinica Hochst. ex Kunth
- Dioscorea acanthogene Rusby
- Dioscorea acerifolia Phil.
- Dioscorea acuminata Baker
- Dioscorea adenantha Uline
- Dioscorea aesculifolia R.Knuth
- Dioscorea aguilarii Standl. & Steyerm.
- Dioscorea alainii Raz
- Dioscorea alata L.
- Dioscorea alatipes Burkill & H.Perrier
- Dioscorea althaeoides R.Knuth
- Dioscorea amaranthoides C.Presl
- Dioscorea amazonum Mart. ex Griseb.
- Dioscorea amoena R.Knuth
- Dioscorea analalavensis Jum. & H.Perrier
- Dioscorea ancachsensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea andina Phil.
- Dioscorea andromedusae O.Téllez
- Dioscorea anomala Griseb.
- Dioscorea antaly Jum. & H.Perrier
- Dioscorea antucoana Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea arachidna Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea araucana Phil.
- Dioscorea arcuatinervis Hochr.
- Dioscorea argyrogyna Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea arifolia C.Presl
- Dioscorea aristolochiifolia Poepp.
- Dioscorea asclepiadea Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea aspera Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
- Dioscorea aspersa Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea asperula Pedralli
- Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill
- Dioscorea atrescens R.Knuth
- Dioscorea auriculata Poepp.
- Dioscorea ayardei Asesor
- Dioscorea bahiensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea bako Wilkin
- Dioscorea balcanica Košanin
- Dioscorea bancana Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea banzhuana S.J.Pei & C.T.Ting
- Dioscorea baracoensis (R.Knuth) Raz
- Dioscorea bartlettii C.V.Morton
- Dioscorea basiclavicaulis Rizzini & A.Mattos
- Dioscorea baya De Wild.
- Dioscorea beecheyi R.Knuth
- Dioscorea belophylla (Prain) Voigt ex Haines
- Dioscorea bemandry Jum. & H.Perrier
- Dioscorea bemarivensis Jum. & H.Perrier
- Dioscorea benthamii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea berenicea McVaugh
- Dioscorea bermejensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea bernoulliana Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea besseriana Kunth
- Dioscorea beyrichii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea bicolor Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea biformifolia S.J.Pei & C.T.Ting
- Dioscorea biloba (Phil.) Caddick & Wilkin
- Dioscorea biplicata R.Knuth
- Dioscorea birmanica Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea birschelii Harms ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea blumei Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea bolivarensis Steyerm.
- Dioscorea bonii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea bosseri Haigh & Wilkin
- Dioscorea brachybotrya Poepp.
- Dioscorea brachystachya Phil.
- Dioscorea bradei R.Knuth
- Dioscorea brandisii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea brevipetiolata Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea bridgesii Griseb. ex Kunth
- Dioscorea brownii Schinz
- Dioscorea bryoniifolia Poepp.
- Dioscorea buchananii Benth.
- Dioscorea buckleyana Wilkin
- Dioscorea bulbifera L.
- Dioscorea bulbotricha Hand.-Mazz.
- Dioscorea burchellii Baker
- Dioscorea burkilliana J.Miège ex R.Hills & Wilkin
- Dioscorea cachipuertensis Ayala
- Dioscorea calcicola Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea caldasensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea calderillensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea callacatensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea cambodiana Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea campanulata Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea campestris Griseb.
- Dioscorea campos-portoi R.Knuth
- Dioscorea carionis Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea carpomaculata O.Téllez & B.G.Schub.
- Dioscorea castilloniana Hauman
- Dioscorea catharinensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea caucasica Lipsky
- Dioscorea caucensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea cayenensis Lam.
- Dioscorea cephalocarpa (Uline ex R.Knuth) Raz
- Dioscorea ceratandra Uline
- Dioscorea chagllaensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea chancayensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea chaponensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea chiapasensis Matuda
- Dioscorea chimborazensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea chingii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea chondrocarpa Griseb.
- Dioscorea choriandra Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea chouardii Gaussen
- Dioscorea chusqueifolia C.Romero, O.Téllez & Bussmann
- Dioscorea cienegensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea cinnamomifolia Hook.
- Dioscorea cirrhosa Lour.
- Dioscorea cissophylla Phil.
- Dioscorea claussenii Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea claytonii Ayala
- Dioscorea cochleariapiculata De Wild.
- Dioscorea collettii Hook.f.
- Dioscorea communis (L.) Caddick & Wilkin
- Dioscorea commutata R.Knuth
- Dioscorea comorensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea compacta D.Araújo
- Dioscorea composita Hemsl.
- Dioscorea contracta R.Knuth
- Dioscorea convolvulacea Schltdl. & Cham.
- Dioscorea conzattii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea cordata (L.) Raz
- Dioscorea cordifolia Laness.
- Dioscorea coreana (Prain & Burkill) R.Knuth
- Dioscorea coriacea Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
- Dioscorea coronata Hauman
- Dioscorea cotinifolia Kunth
- Dioscorea craibiana Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea crateriflora R.Knuth
- Dioscorea cretica (L.) M.Campos, Wilkin & Viruel
- Dioscorea crotalariifolia Uline
- Dioscorea cruzensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea cubensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea cumingii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea curitybensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea cuspidata Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
- Dioscorea cuyabensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea cyanisticta J.D.Sm.
- Dioscorea cymosula Hemsl.
- Dioscorea cyphocarpa C.B.Rob. ex Knuth
- Dioscorea daunea Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea davidsei O.Téllez
- Dioscorea debilis Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea decaryana H.Perrier
- Dioscorea decipiens Hook.f.
- Dioscorea decorticans C.Presl
- Dioscorea deflexa Griseb.
- Dioscorea delavayi Franch.
- Dioscorea delicata R.Knuth
- Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. ex Griseb.
- Dioscorea demourae Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea dendrotricha Uline
- Dioscorea densiflora Hemsl.
- Dioscorea depauperata Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea diamantinensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea dicranandra Donn.Sm.
- Dioscorea dielsii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea dissimulans Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea divaricata Blanco
- Dioscorea diversifolia Griseb.
- Dioscorea dodecaneura Vell.
- Dioscorea dregeana (Kunth) T.Durand & Schinz
- Dioscorea dugesii C.B.Rob.
- Dioscorea dumetorum (Kunth) Pax
- Dioscorea dumetosa Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea edulis (Lowe) M.Campos, Wilkin & Viruel
- Dioscorea elegans Ridl. ex Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea elephantipes (L’Hér.) Engl.
- Dioscorea entomophila Hauman
- Dioscorea epistephioides Taub.
- Dioscorea escuintlensis Matuda
- Dioscorea esculenta (Lour.) Burkill
- Dioscorea esquirolii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea exalata C.T.Ting & M.C.Chang
- Dioscorea fandra H.Perrier
- Dioscorea fasciculocongesta (Sosa & B.G.Schub.) O.Téllez
- Dioscorea fastigiata Gay
- Dioscorea fendleri R.Knuth
- Dioscorea ferreyrae Ayala
- Dioscorea filiformis Blume
- Dioscorea flabellifolia Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea flabellispina R.Couto & J.M.A.Braga
- Dioscorea flaccida R.Knuth
- Dioscorea floribunda M.Martens & Galeotti
- Dioscorea floridana Bartlett
- Dioscorea fodinarum Kunth
- Dioscorea fordii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea formosana R.Knuth
- Dioscorea fractiflexa R.Knuth
- Dioscorea fuliginosa R.Knuth
- Dioscorea furcata Griseb.
- Dioscorea futschauensis Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea galeottiana Kunth
- Dioscorea galiiflora R.Knuth
- Dioscorea gallegosi Matuda
- Dioscorea garrettii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea gaumeri R.Knuth
- Dioscorea gentryi O.Téllez
- Dioscorea gillettii Milne-Redh.
- Dioscorea glabra Roxb.
- Dioscorea glandulosa (Griseb.) Klotzsch ex Kunth
- Dioscorea glauca Rusby
- Dioscorea glomerulata Hauman
- Dioscorea gomez-pompae O.Téllez
- Dioscorea gracilicaulis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea gracilipes Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea gracilis Hook. ex Poepp.
- Dioscorea gracillima Miq.
- Dioscorea grandiflora Mart. ex Griseb.
- Dioscorea grandis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea grata Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea gribinguiensis Baudon
- Dioscorea grisebachii Kunth
- Dioscorea guerrerensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea guianensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea haenkeana C.Presl
- Dioscorea haitiensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea hamiltonii Hook.f.
- Dioscorea hassleriana Chodat
- Dioscorea hastata Mill.
- Dioscorea hastatissima Rusby
- Dioscorea hastifolia Nees
- Dioscorea hastiformis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea haumanii Xifreda
- Dioscorea havilandii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea hebridensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill
- Dioscorea hemsleyi Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea heptaneura Vell.
- Dioscorea herbert-smithii Rusby
- Dioscorea heteropoda Baker
- Dioscorea hexagona Baker
- Dioscorea hieronymi Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea hintonii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth.
- Dioscorea hispida Dennst.
- Dioscorea holmioidea Maury
- Dioscorea hombuka H.Perrier
- Dioscorea hondurensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea howardiana O.Téllez, B.G.Schub. & Geeta
- Dioscorea humifusa Poepp.
- Dioscorea humilis Bertero ex Colla
- Dioscorea hunzikeri Xifreda
- Dioscorea hurteri R.Hills & Wilkin
- Dioscorea hyalinomarginata Raz
- Dioscorea igualamontana Matuda
- Dioscorea incayensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea inopinata Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea insignis C.V.Morton & B.G.Schub.
- Dioscorea intermedia Thwaites
- Dioscorea introrsa Raz
- Dioscorea ionophylla Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea iquitosensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea irodensis Wilkin, Rajaonah & Randriamb.
- Dioscorea irupanensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea itapirensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea itatiensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea jaliscana S.Watson
- Dioscorea jamesonii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea japonica Thunb.
- Dioscorea javariensis Ayala
- Dioscorea juxtlahuacensis (O.Téllez & Dávila) Caddick & Wilkin
- Dioscorea kalkapershadii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea kamoonensis Kunth
- Dioscorea keduensis Burkill ex Backer
- Dioscorea kerrii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea killipii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea kimiae Wilkin
- Dioscorea kingii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea kituiensis Wilkin & Muasya
- Dioscorea kjellbergii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea knuthiana De Wild.
- Dioscorea koepperi Standl.
- Dioscorea koyamae Jayas.
- Dioscorea kratica Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea kuntzei Uline ex Kuntze
- Dioscorea lacerdaei Griseb.
- Dioscorea laevis Uline
- Dioscorea lamprocaula Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea lanata Balf.f
- Dioscorea laurifolia Wall. ex Hook.f.
- Dioscorea lawrancei R.Knuth
- Dioscorea laxiflora Mart. ex Griseb.
- Dioscorea lehmannii Uline
- Dioscorea lepcharum Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea lepida C.V.Morton
- Dioscorea leptobotrys Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea liebmannii Uline
- Dioscorea lijiangensis C.L.Long & H.Li
- Dioscorea linearicordata Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea lisae Dorr & Stergios
- Dioscorea listeri Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea litoralis Phil.
- Dioscorea loefgrenii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea loheri Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea longicuspis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea longipedicellata Hoque, Lakshmin. & D.Maity
- Dioscorea longipes Phil.
- Dioscorea longirhiza Caddick & Wilkin
- Dioscorea longituba Uline
- Dioscorea lundii Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea luzonensis Schauer
- Dioscorea macbrideana R.Knuth
- Dioscorea maciba Jum. & H.Perrier
- Dioscorea macrantha Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea macrothyrsa Uline
- Dioscorea macvaughii B.G.Schub.
- Dioscorea madecassa H.Perrier
- Dioscorea madiunensis Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea magnibracteata T.Clayton ex R.Couto & Cornejo
- Dioscorea maianthemoides Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea mamillata Jum. & H.Perrier
- Dioscorea mangenotiana J.Miège
- Dioscorea mantigueirensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea margarethia G.M.Barroso, E.F.Guim. & Sucre
- Dioscorea marginata Griseb.
- Dioscorea martensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea martiana Griseb.
- Dioscorea martini Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea matagalpensis Uline
- Dioscorea matudae O.Téllez & B.G.Schub.
- Dioscorea mayottensis Wilkin
- Dioscorea medusae F.Fraga, R.Couto & J.M.A.Braga
- Dioscorea megacarpa Gleason
- Dioscorea megalantha Griseb.
- Dioscorea megaphylla Ram.-Amezcua, O.Téllez & V.W.Steinm.
- Dioscorea melanophyma Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea melastomatifolia Uline ex Prain
- Dioscorea membranacea Pierre ex Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea menglaensis H.Li
- Dioscorea meridensis Kunth
- Dioscorea merrillii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea mesoamericana O.Téllez & Mart.-Rodr.
- Dioscorea mexicana Scheidw.
- Dioscorea microbotrya Griseb.
- Dioscorea microcephala Uline
- Dioscorea microflora Raz
- Dioscorea microphylla (Kunth) Greuter & J.Pérez
- Dioscorea microura R.Knuth
- Dioscorea mindanaensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea minima C.B.Rob. & Seaton
- Dioscorea minutiflora Engl.
- Dioscorea mitis C.V.Morton
- Dioscorea mitoensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea modesta Phil.
- Dioscorea mollis Kunth
- Dioscorea monadelpha (Kunth) Griseb.
- Dioscorea × monandra Hauman
- Dioscorea morelosana (Uline) Matuda
- Dioscorea moritziana (Kunth) R.Knuth
- Dioscorea mosqueirensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea moultonii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea moyobambensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea mucronata Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea multiflora Mart. ex Griseb.
- Dioscorea multiloba Kunth
- Dioscorea multinervis Benth.
- Dioscorea multispicata R.Knuth
- Dioscorea mundii Baker
- Dioscorea nako H.Perrier
- Dioscorea namorokensis Wilkin
- Dioscorea nana Poepp.
- Dioscorea nanlaensis H.Li
- Dioscorea natalia Hammel
- Dioscorea neblinensis Maguire & Steyerm.
- Dioscorea nelsonii Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea nematodes Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea nervata R.Knuth
- Dioscorea nervosa Phil.
- Dioscorea nicolasensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea nieuwenhuisii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea nipensis R.A.Howard
- Dioscorea nipponica Makino
- Dioscorea nitens Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea nuda R.Knuth
- Dioscorea nummularia Lam.
- Dioscorea nutans R.Knuth
- Dioscorea oaxacensis Uline
- Dioscorea obcuneata Hook.f.
- Dioscorea oblonga Gleason
- Dioscorea oblongifolia Rusby
- Dioscorea obtusifolia Hook. & Arn.
- Dioscorea olfersiana Klotzsch ex Griseb.
- Dioscorea oligophylla Phil.
- Dioscorea omiltemensis O.Téllez
- Dioscorea opaca R.Knuth
- Dioscorea oppositiflora Griseb.
- Dioscorea oppositifolia L.
- Dioscorea orangeana Wilkin
- Dioscorea orbiculata Hook.f.
- Dioscorea oreodoxa B.G.Schub.
- Dioscorea organensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea orientalis (J.Thiébaut) Caddick & Wilkin
- Dioscorea orizabensis Uline
- Dioscorea orthogoneura Uline ex Hochr.
- Dioscorea oryzetorum Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea ovalifolia R.Knuth
- Dioscorea ovata Vell.
- Dioscorea ovinala Baker
- Dioscorea palawana Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea paleata Burkill
- Dioscorea pallens Schltdl.
- Dioscorea pallidinervia R.Knuth
- Dioscorea palmeri R.Knuth
- Dioscorea panamensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea panthaica Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea pantojensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea paradoxa Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea pavonii Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea pedalis (Uline ex R.Knuth) R.Couto & J.M.A.Braga
- Dioscorea pedicellata Phil.
- Dioscorea pencana Phil.
- Dioscorea pendula Poepp. ex Kunth
- Dioscorea pennellii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea pentaphylla L.
- Dioscorea peperoides Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea perdicum Taub.
- Dioscorea perenensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea petelotii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea philippiana Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea piauhyensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea pierrei Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea pilcomayensis Hauman
- Dioscorea pilgeriana R.Knuth
- Dioscorea pilifera (Urb.) Raz
- Dioscorea pilosiuscula Bertero ex Spreng.
- Dioscorea pinedensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea piperifolia Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
- Dioscorea piscatorum Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea pittieri R.Knuth
- Dioscorea planistipulosa Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea plantaginifolia R.Knuth
- Dioscorea platycarpa Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea platycolpota Uline ex B.L.Rob.
- Dioscorea plumifera C.B.Rob.
- Dioscorea pohlii Griseb.
- Dioscorea poilanei Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea polyclades Hook.f.
- Dioscorea polygonoides Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
- Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.
- Dioscorea pomeroonensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea porulosa (R.Knuth) Raz
- Dioscorea potarensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea praehensilis Benth.
- Dioscorea prainiana R.Knuth
- Dioscorea prazeri Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea preslii Steud.
- Dioscorea preussii Pax
- Dioscorea pringlei C.B.Rob.
- Dioscorea proteiformis H.Perrier
- Dioscorea psammophila R.Knuth
- Dioscorea pseudocleistogama Raz & J.Pérez
- Dioscorea pseudojaponica Hayata
- Dioscorea pseudomacrocapsa G.M.Barroso, E.F.Guim. & Sucre
- Dioscorea pseudorajanioides R.Knuth
- Dioscorea pseudotomentosa Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea psilostachya (Kunth) Raz
- Dioscorea pteropoda Boivin ex H.Perrier
- Dioscorea pubera Blume
- Dioscorea pubescens Poir.
- Dioscorea pumicicola Uline
- Dioscorea pumilio Griseb.
- Dioscorea puncticulata R.Knuth
- Dioscorea purdiei R.Knuth
- Dioscorea putisensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea putumayensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea pynaertii De Wild.
- Dioscorea pyrenaica Bubani & Bordère ex Gren.
- Dioscorea pyrifolia Kunth
- Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich.
- Dioscorea quinquefolia (L.) Raz
- Dioscorea quinquelobata Thunb.
- Dioscorea quispicanchensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea racemosa (Klotzsch) Mottet
- Dioscorea raziae Greuter & J.Pérez
- Dioscorea regnellii Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea remota C.V.Morton
- Dioscorea remotiflora Kunth
- Dioscorea reticulata Gay
- Dioscorea retusa Mast.
- Dioscorea reversiflora Uline
- Dioscorea richardhowardii Raz
- Dioscorea ridleyi Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea riedelii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea rimbachii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea rockii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea rosei R.Knuth
- Dioscorea rumicoides Griseb.
- Dioscorea rupicola Kunth
- Dioscorea rusbyi Uline
- Dioscorea sabarensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea sagittata Poir.
- Dioscorea sagittifolia Pax
- Dioscorea salicifolia Blume
- Dioscorea salvadorensis Standl.
- Dioscorea sambiranensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea sanchez-colinii Matuda
- Dioscorea sandiensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea sandwithii B.G.Schub.
- Dioscorea sanpaulensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea sansibarensis Pax
- Dioscorea santanderensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea santosensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea sarasinii Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea saxatilis Poepp.
- Dioscorea scabra Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
- Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth
- Dioscorea schubertiae Ayala
- Dioscorea schunkei Ayala & T.Clayton
- Dioscorea schwackei Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea scorpioidea C.Wright
- Dioscorea scortechinii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea secunda R.Knuth
- Dioscorea sellowiana Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea semperflorens Uline
- Dioscorea septemloba Thunb.
- Dioscorea septemnervis Vell.
- Dioscorea sericea R.Knuth
- Dioscorea seriflora Jum. & H.Perrier
- Dioscorea serpenticola Hoque & P.K.Mukh.
- Dioscorea sessiliflora McVaugh
- Dioscorea sexrimata Burkill
- Dioscorea simulans Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea sinaloensis O.Téllez
- Dioscorea sincorensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea sinoparviflora C.T.Ting, M.G.Gilbert & Turland
- Dioscorea sinuata Vell.
- Dioscorea sitamiana Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea skottsbergii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea smilacifolia De Wild. & T.Durand
- Dioscorea sonlaensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea sororopana Steyerm.
- Dioscorea soso Jum. & H.Perrier
- Dioscorea spectabilis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea sphaeroidea R.Couto & J.M.A.Braga
- Dioscorea spicata B.Heyne ex Roth
- Dioscorea spiculiflora Hemsl.
- Dioscorea spongiosa J.Q.Xi, M.Mizuno & W.L.Zhao
- Dioscorea sprucei Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea standleyi C.V.Morton
- Dioscorea stegelmanniana R.Knuth
- Dioscorea stellaris R.Knuth
- Dioscorea stemonoides Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea stenocolpus Phil.
- Dioscorea stenomeriflora Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea stenopetala Hauman
- Dioscorea stenophylla Uline
- Dioscorea sterilis O.Weber & Wilkin
- Dioscorea stipulosa Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea strydomiana Wilkin
- Dioscorea subcalva Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea subhastata Vell.
- Dioscorea sublignosa R.Knuth
- Dioscorea subnigra R.Knuth
- Dioscorea subtomentosa Miranda
- Dioscorea sumatrana Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea sumiderensis B.G.Schub. & O.Téllez
- Dioscorea suratensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl.
- Dioscorea synandra Uline
- Dioscorea syringifolia (Kunth) Kunth & R.H.Schomb. ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea tabatae Hatus. ex Yamashita & M.N.Tamura
- Dioscorea tacanensis Lundell
- Dioscorea tamarisciflora Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea tamoidea Griseb.
- Dioscorea tamshiyacuensis Ayala
- Dioscorea tancitarensis Matuda
- Dioscorea tarijensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea tarmensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea tauriglossum R.Knuth
- Dioscorea tayacajensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea temascaltepecensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea tenebrosa C.V.Morton
- Dioscorea tenella Phil.
- Dioscorea tentaculigera Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea tenuifolia Ridl.
- Dioscorea tenuipes Franch. & Sav.
- Dioscorea tenuiphyllum R.Knuth
- Dioscorea tenuis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea ternata Griseb.
- Dioscorea theresensis (Uline ex R.Knuth) Raz
- Dioscorea therezopolensis Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea togoensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea tokoro Makino ex Miyabe
- Dioscorea toldosensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea tomentosa J.Koenig ex Spreng.
- Dioscorea torticaulis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea trachyandra Griseb.
- Dioscorea trachycarpa Kunth
- Dioscorea traillii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea transversa R.Br.
- Dioscorea triandria Sessé & Moc.
- Dioscorea trichantha Baker
- Dioscorea trichanthera Gleason
- Dioscorea trifida L.f.
- Dioscorea trifoliata Kunth
- Dioscorea trifurcata Hauman
- Dioscorea trilinguis Griseb.
- Dioscorea trimenii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea trinervia Roxb. ex Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea trisecta Griseb.
- Dioscorea trollii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea truncata Miq.
- Dioscorea tsaratananensis H.Perrier
- Dioscorea tubiperianthia Matuda
- Dioscorea tubuliflora Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea tubulosa Griseb.
- Dioscorea uliginosa Phil.
- Dioscorea ulinei Greenm. ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea urceolata Uline
- Dioscorea urophylla Hemsl.
- Dioscorea uruapanensis Matuda
- Dioscorea valdiviensis R.Knuth
- Dioscorea vanvuurenii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea variifolia Bertero
- Dioscorea velutipes Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea vexans Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea vilis Kunth
- Dioscorea villosa L.
- Dioscorea volckmannii Phil.
- Dioscorea wallichii Hook.f.
- Dioscorea warburgiana Uline ex Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea warmingii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea wattii Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea weberbaueri R.Knuth
- Dioscorea widgrenii R.Knuth
- Dioscorea wightii Hook.f.
- Dioscorea wittiana R.Knuth
- Dioscorea wrightii Uline ex R.Knuth
- Dioscorea xizangensis C.T.Ting
- Dioscorea yunnanensis Prain & Burkill
- Dioscorea zentaroana Koidz.
- Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H.Wright
Beyond the Plate: The Many Uses of Dioscorea
While yams are primarily known as a food source, their uses extend far beyond the culinary realm. For centuries, various Dioscorea species have been employed in traditional medicine systems around the world. The tubers and other plant parts contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including diosgenin, which has been used to produce steroids and contraceptives.
In some cultures, Dioscorea species are also used for spiritual and ceremonial purposes. For example, in parts of Africa, yams are associated with fertility and abundance, and they play an important role in harvest festivals and other celebrations.
The Importance of Conservation
Despite their importance, many Dioscorea species are facing threats due to habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change. It’s crucial that we work to conserve these valuable plants and their genetic diversity. This includes supporting sustainable farming practices, protecting natural habitats, and conducting research to better understand the biology and ecology of Dioscorea.
A Continuing Journey of Discovery
My exploration of Dioscorea has just begun, and I’m eager to learn more about this fascinating genus. I believe that these plants have much to offer us, both in terms of food security and potential medicinal applications. By appreciating their diversity and working to conserve them, we can ensure that Dioscorea continues to play a vital role in human societies for generations to come.
