Dioscorea Sylvatica | Dioscoreaceae

Description of Dioscorea sylvatica

Description of Dioscorea sylvatica

Dioscorea sylvatica, also known as the Elephant's Foot Yam, is a semi-tropical slender twining herb with annual stems growing from a massive, reticulated tuberous rootstock or caudex. This plant is native to Africa and belongs to the family of Dioscoreaceae.

The caudex of Dioscorea sylvatica is the most striking feature of this plant. It is large, grey-brown, and deeply fissured as it grows older. The annual stems grow from the caudex and can reach up to 6 feet in length. The leaves are heart-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches in length.

Dioscorea sylvatica is a fast-growing plant that requires well-drained soil, some water, and some sun. It is commonly found in forest and woodland areas in Eswatini, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

It is important to note that many dioscorea species are poisonous and require special preparation before becoming edible. Dioscorea sylvatica is rarely offered in cultivation, but it is a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts due to its unique caudex.

Between 1955 and 1959, 3466 tonnes of Dioscorea sylvatica were wild harvested from the former Transvaal province for the commercial production of cortisone. This practice has since been discontinued due to the plant's rarity and conservation concerns.

If you are looking for a unique and striking addition to your succulent collection, consider adding Dioscorea sylvatica to your garden. Its impressive caudex and fast-growing nature make it a fascinating plant to observe and care for.

Origin and Distribution

Dioscorea sylvatica, also known as the Elephant's Foot Yam, is a semi-tropical slender twining herb with annual stems growing from a massive, reticulated tuberous rootstock or caudex. This plant belongs to the family of Dioscoreaceae and is native to Africa, specifically found in Eswatini, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is a fast-growing, vining, caudiciform plant with a cork-like base plate, a large grey-brown "foot" that, as it grows older, becomes deeply fissured.

The caudex grows quiet flat, with annual stems growing from it. The stems can grow up to 6 feet long and produce small, greenish-white flowers. The Elephant's Foot Yam is famous and appreciated for its large caudex, which can grow up to 3 feet in diameter. The caudex is used to store water and nutrients, allowing the plant to survive long periods of drought.

Dioscorea sylvatica is a popular plant among collectors of caudiciform plants. It requires well-drained soil with some water and some sun. It is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. However, it is important to note that many dioscorea species are poisonous and require special preparation before becoming edible. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume the Elephant's Foot Yam.

Overall, Dioscorea sylvatica is a unique and fascinating plant that can add a touch of exoticism to any succulent collection. Its impressive reticulated tuberous rootstock or caudex and fast-growing stems make it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts.

Cultivation of Dioscorea sylvatica

Dioscorea sylvatica, also known as the Elephant's Foot Yam, is a semi-tropical slender twining herb with annual stems growing from a massive, reticulated tuberous rootstock or caudex. This plant is native to Africa and belongs to the family of Dioscoreaceae.

The Elephant's Foot Yam is a fast-growing, vining, caudiciform plant with a cork-like base plate. The large grey-brown "foot" becomes deeply fissured as it grows older. The plant is famous and appreciated for its large caudex, which can grow up to 1 meter in diameter. The caudex grows quiet flat, with annual stems growing from it.

Dioscorea sylvatica is a species of a twining tuberous vine that is common and widespread in forest and woodland areas. It is found in Eswatini, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The plant grows well in well-drained soil with some water and some sun.

Between 1955 and 1959, 3466 tonnes of Dioscorea sylvatica was wild harvested from the former Transvaal province for the commercial production of cortisone. This plant is rarely offered in cultivation due to its poisonous nature and requires special preparation before becoming edible.

If you are looking for a unique and exotic addition to your succulent collection, Dioscorea sylvatica is an excellent choice. Its large and impressive caudex makes it a standout plant that is sure to impress.

Uses of Dioscorea sylvatica

Dioscorea sylvatica, also known as the Elephant's Foot Yam, is a semi-tropical slender twining herb with annual stems growing from a massive, reticulated tuberous rootstock or caudex. This plant belongs to the family of Dioscoreaceae and is native to Africa, specifically found in Eswatini, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The caudex of Dioscorea sylvatica is the most impressive feature of this plant. It grows quiet flat, with a cork-like base plate, and a large grey-brown "foot" that, as it grows older, becomes deeply fissured. The annual stems grow up to 3 meters long and are covered with small, heart-shaped leaves. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are not very showy.

Dioscorea sylvatica is a fast-growing plant that requires well-drained soil with some water and some sun. It is commonly found in forest and woodland areas, where it grows as a climbing vine.

It is important to note that many dioscorea species are poisonous and require special preparation before becoming edible. Dioscorea sylvatica is rarely offered in cultivation, but it is a popular plant among succulent collectors due to its impressive caudex.

If you are interested in growing Dioscorea sylvatica, it is important to research its specific care requirements and ensure that you are purchasing it from a reputable source.

Propagation of Dioscorea sylvatica

Dioscorea sylvatica, also known as the Elephant's Foot Yam, is a semi-tropical slender twining herb with annual stems growing from a massive, reticulated tuberous rootstock or caudex. This plant is native to Africa and belongs to the family of Dioscoreaceae. It is a fast-growing, vining, caudiciform plant with a cork-like base plate, a large grey-brown "foot" that, as it grows older, becomes deeply fissured.

The caudex of Dioscorea sylvatica is the most attractive feature of the plant, and it is famous and appreciated for its large size. The caudex grows quite flat, with the annual stems growing from it. The stems are slender and can reach up to 3 meters in length. The leaves are heart-shaped and can grow up to 15 cm long and 10 cm wide. The flowers are small and greenish-white, and the plant produces small, inedible fruits.

Dioscorea sylvatica is a popular plant among collectors of caudiciforms due to its unique appearance. It is commonly grown as a houseplant or in a greenhouse, and it requires well-draining soil and some water and sun. The plant is easy to propagate from stem cuttings or by dividing the caudex.

It is important to note that many Dioscorea species are poisonous and require special preparation before becoming edible. However, Dioscorea sylvatica is not commonly used for food purposes. Instead, it is grown for its ornamental value and as a conversation starter among plant enthusiasts.

In the past, Dioscorea sylvatica was wild-harvested from the former Transvaal province for the commercial production of cortisone. However, due to over-harvesting, the plant is now listed as a vulnerable species on the Red List of South African Plants.

If you are looking for a unique and fascinating addition to your succulent collection, Dioscorea sylvatica is definitely worth considering. Its impressive caudex and slender stems make it a standout plant that is sure to impress.