Dioscorea floribunda

Family: Dioscoreaceae

What it is like

A yam. It keeps growing from year to year. It has a tuberous rootstock and produces annual stems or vines. These twine to the left.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in moist forest up to 1,500 m above sea level. It is best in places where the annual day temperatures are between 25°-30°C. It is best with an annual rainfall between 900-1,200 mm but grows in areas with higher and lower rainfall. It is best in a sunny position with a fertile, well-drained soil

Countries/locations it is found in

Belize, Central America, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, North America

How it is used for food

The tubers are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Tuber

How it is grown

Tubers take 3-4 years to develop.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Dioscorea barclayi R. Knuth;