Dioscorea sylvatica

Family: Dioscoreaceae

What it is like

A yam vine. The tubers are single. They are 30 cm across. They have deep lobes. They have a corky covering. It can be in a scale like pattern. The stems twine to the left. There are no bulbils. The leaves are alternate and can be entire or have 3 lobes. They are heart shaped. They are papery to rough. It is similar to Dioscorea elephantipes.

Where it is found

It is a tropical to subtropical plant. It grows in rocky areas and also on sandy soils. It can grow from sea level to 1,800 m altitude. It is best in light, well-drained soils. It suits an open, sunny position. It is damaged by drought and frost. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa (country/location of origin), Australia, East Africa, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tubers have been used as food after soaking and processing. Caution: It contains steroids.

Edible parts

Tuber, root, caution

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Dioscorea brevipes Burtt.-Davy; Dioscorea montana Eckl. & Zeyher ex R. Knuth; Dioscorea montana Eckl. & Zeyher ex R. Knuth var. glauca R. Knuth; Dioscorea montana Eckl. & Zeyher ex R. Knuth var. lobata Weim.; Dioscorea montana Eckl. & Zeyher ex R. Knuth var. sagittata Suessenguth; Dioscorea multiflora R. Knuth; Dioscorea rehmanni Baker; Testudinaria multiflora Marloth; Testudinaria paniculata Dummer; Testudinaria sylvatica Hort. Berol. ex Kunth; Testudinaria sylvestris Hort. Berol. ex Kunth;