What is the common name for dioscorea?
Dioscorea bulbifera (commonly known as the air potato, air yam, bitter yam, cheeky yam, potato yam, aerial yam, and parsnip yam) is a species of true yam in the yam family, Dioscoreaceae.
Which part of dioscorea is used?
Abstract. Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils are used in the treatment of Piles, dysentery, syphilis, ulcers, cough, leprosy, diabetes, asthma, and cancer. It is a raw material for contraceptives, and it is one of the most consumed yam species especially in West Africa.
Is dioscorea a Monocot?
It is a herbaceous, climbing, tropical monocot that looks rather like a dicot, and is part of a lineage that is relatively closely related to the phylogenetically derived group containing the grasses.
Is dioscorea a fruit?
The fruit is a winged capsule or a berry. Several species of yams (vines of the genus Dioscorea) are grown for their edible tuberous roots, such as Chinese yam, or cinnamon vine (D. batatas); air potato (D.
Are air potatoes edible?
It is a vine that can be up to 70 feet in length with heart shaped alternating leaves. Air potato has inconspicuous flowers that don’t usually appear because they aren’t necessary for propagation. Air potato does produce a species of yam, but is recommended to never eat as it can be toxic to humans.
What is the meaning of Dioscorea?
Definition of dioscorea 1 capitalized : a genus of mostly tropical twining herbs (family Dioscoreaceae) including the yams and having net-veined leaves and small dioecious flowers. 2 plural -s : the dried rhizome of a wild yam (Dioscorea paniculata) formerly used in hepatic disorders and rheumatism.
What is wild yam root good for?
Wild yam root is widely sold as a skin cream but may also be found as a supplement. It has traditionally been used to treat hormonal conditions, such as menopause and PMS, as well as alleviate symptoms of arthritis.
Is Dioscorea alata monocot or dicot?
monocot
Dioscorea is a large monocot genus of ~450 species (Govaerts et al. 2007). It consists of herbaceous vines that are rhizomatous or tuberous, and dioecious (with separate pollen- and pistil-bearing flowers borne on different individuals).
Is yam good for health?
They’re a great source of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, and antioxidants. Yams are linked to various health benefits and may boost brain health, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar control. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and a great vegetable to include in your diet in both sweet and savory dishes.
Why are air potatoes harmful?
Air potato is extremely toxic and should not be consumed. It can grow very quickly (up to 8 inches per day). Typically, it climbs to the tops of trees and has a tendency to block the sunlight reaching native plants and suffocate them.
How toxic are air potatoes?
Air potatoes are a member of the yam family (Dioscoreaceae). In Florida you still don’t want to eat them. Both the underground tubers and aerial bulbils may contain a variety of toxic compounds. One of these compounds is called diosgenin and it is used to make synthetic steroids for the pharmaceutical industry.
Which yam is poisonous?
Bitter yam
Bitter yam is a plant that grows in Africa. It has a fleshy, potato-like root (tuber) that is used for food in times of famine or for making medicine. Wild forms of bitter yam are likely to contain poisons and must be soaked and boiled before use.
What is the health benefits of three leaf yam?
Packed with nutrition Yams are not only an excellent source of fiber but also high in potassium and manganese, which are important for supporting bone health, growth, metabolism, and heart function ( 3 , 4 ). These tubers also provide decent amounts of other micronutrients, such as copper and vitamin C.
How do you identify Dioscorea alata?
Species Characteristics
- Family: Dioscoreaceae.
- Habit: herbaceous vine.
- Leaves: Long petioled, opposite (often with only one leaf persistent); blades to 20 cm (8 in) or more in length, narrowly heart shaped, with basal lobes often angular.
How do you grow Dioscorea alata?
Plant the tubers 4-5 inches deep and 2 feet apart. It’s recommended to add organic mulch on top to hold in water and prevent weeds. Dioscorea alata can be grown in containers, but you’ll have to watch the size. Use at least a 5-gallon container and harvest the yam before it outgrows its home.
What is the disadvantages of yam?
Lack of Vitamin B12 While yams and sweet potatoes offer a number of vitamins, neither offers any vitamin B-12. This vitamin is essential because it helps form DNA and red blood cells. Failure to consume enough vitamin B-12 can also result in anemia, a condition in which your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells.
What are the disadvantages of eating yam?
Wild yam is a plant that people have used for centuries in alternative medicine….However, large amounts of wild yam can lead to side effects, including:
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- headaches.
- digestive issues.
Can air potatoes be eaten?
Air potato has inconspicuous flowers that don’t usually appear because they aren’t necessary for propagation. Air potato does produce a species of yam, but is recommended to never eat as it can be toxic to humans.