Dioscorea Tokoro | Dioscoreaceae

Dioscorea tokoro - Perennial Climber | Uses, Characteristics, and Care

What is Dioscorea tokoro?

Dioscorea tokoro is a perennial climber that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. It is native to Japan and is commonly found in the wild. Also known as the Tokoro yam, it is harvested for local use as food and medicine.

The stem of Dioscorea tokoro is twining to the left, grooved, and smooth. The leaves are heart-shaped, pointed at the tip, and 5-11cm wide. The flowers are pale green, and the male flowers have 1mm long tepals. The male spikes are solitary or paired, often branched, lax, and up to 7cm long, sometimes in lax, axillary panicles. The male flowers bloom from September to October.

Dioscorea tokoro is a woody member of the Dioscorea genus and is a dioecious plant, meaning it has separate male and female plants. The fruits are 18mm long, and the plant spreads by underground tubers.

This plant can be grown from seed or by dividing the tubers, although it is not commonly grown in gardens. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. The tubers of Dioscorea tokoro are edible and used in traditional Japanese cuisine. They are also used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, colds, and digestive problems.

In conclusion, Dioscorea tokoro is a unique and interesting plant native to Japan. It is a perennial climber harvested for local use as food and medicine. Its tubers are edible and have medicinal properties, making it valuable in traditional Japanese culture.

Characteristics of Dioscorea tokoro

Dioscorea tokoro: A Perennial Climber

Dioscorea tokoro is a perennial climber that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. It is commonly found in Japan, Korea, and China. The plant is known for its edible tubers, which are used in traditional medicine and cuisine.

Appearance

The plant has a stem that twines to the left and is smooth and grooved. The leaves are heart-shaped and can grow up to 11 cm wide. The flowers are pale green, and the male flowers have 1 mm long tepals. The plant flowers from July to August, and the fruits are 18 mm long.

Uses

The tubers of Dioscorea tokoro are edible and used in traditional Japanese cuisine. They are also used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, inflammation, and fatigue. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Cultivation

Dioscorea tokoro is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soils. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. The plant can be propagated through seeds or by dividing the tubers. It is important to note that the plant is dioecious, meaning that individual flowers are either male or female.

Conclusion

Dioscorea tokoro is a versatile plant that has both culinary and medicinal uses. Its hardiness and ease of cultivation make it a popular choice for gardeners and farmers alike.

Growing and caring for Dioscorea tokoro

Dioscorea tokoro is a perennial climber that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. It is native to Japan and can be found growing in the wild. The plant is dioecious, which means that individual flowers are either male or female, and it flowers from September to October.

The stem of the plant is twining to the left, grooved, and smooth. The leaves are 5-11cm wide, and the flowers are pale green. The male spikes are solitary or paired, often branched, and lax, up to 7cm long, sometimes in lax, axillary panicles. The male flowers have 1mm long tepals.

Dioscorea tokoro is harvested from the wild for local use as food and medicine. The tubers of the plant are edible and used in traditional Japanese cuisine. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, colds, and fever.

The plant is a vine and can grow up to 3 meters long. It prefers well-drained soil and areas with partial shade. The plant is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C.

Dioscorea tokoro is a fascinating plant that has many uses. Whether you are interested in growing it for food or medicine, or simply want to admire its beauty, this perennial climber is sure to impress.

Uses of Dioscorea tokoro

Dioscorea tokoro is a perennial climber that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. It is commonly found in Japan, Korea, and China. The plant is dioecious, which means that individual flowers are either male or female, and it flowers from September to October.

The stem of the plant is twining to the left, grooved, and smooth. The leaves are 5-11cm wide, and the flowers are pale green. The male spikes are solitary or paired, often branched, and lax, up to 7 cm long, and sometimes in lax, axillary panicles. The male flowers have 1mm long tepals.

Dioscorea tokoro is harvested from the wild for local use as food and medicine. The tubers of the plant are edible and used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, asthma, and rheumatism. The plant is also used as a diuretic and to treat urinary tract infections.

The plant is a vine and can grow up to 5 meters long. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. The plant is hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -15°C.

Dioscorea tokoro is an interesting plant that has both medicinal and culinary uses. Its unique climbing habit and attractive foliage make it a great addition to any garden. If you are looking for a plant that is both beautiful and useful, consider adding Dioscorea tokoro to your collection.