Dioscorea Caucasica | Dioscoreaceae

Learn about Dioscorea caucasica, a climbing rhizomatous geophyte native to the Western Caucasus region. This plant has broad arrow-shaped, dark green foliage and small whitish flowers that bloom in summer, followed by triangular, light brown, papery seed capsules in autumn. Dioscorea caucasica contains health-beneficial phytochemicals such as diosgenin, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. The plant is rarely seen in cultivation but can be grown in a well-draining soil mix with regular watering and fertilization. It prefers partial shade and can be propagated by seed or division of the rhizomes.