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Dioscorea cirrhosa

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dioscorea cirrhosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Dioscoreales
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Genus: Dioscorea
Species:
D. cirrhosa
Binomial name
Dioscorea cirrhosa

Dioscorea cirrhosa, commonly known as the dyeing yam, is a species of flowering plant in the family Dioscoreaceae. It is a perennial, dioecious climbing vine native to Southeast Asia.[1][2][3]

Description

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Dioscorea cirrhosa is a right-twining vine that grows annually from a tuberous rhizome.[3] Its stems can reach lengths of up to 10 meters. The plant features heart-shaped leaves and is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.[3]

Distribution and habitat

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This species is native to regions of Indo-China, including northeastern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, as well as southeastern China (Guangxi, Guangdong), Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the southern Ryukyu Islands (Japan).[1] It typically grows in subtropical forest understories, where it climbs over other vegetation to access sunlight.[2]

Uses

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Dioscorea cirrhosa has historically been used as a source of dye. The plant's tuber was once traded internationally for its dyeing properties, making it an important economic resource in certain regions.[3][1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Dioscorea cirrhosa". www.asianplant.net. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
  2. ^ a b "Dyeing yam (Dioscorea cirrhosa)". PictureThis. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
  3. ^ a b c d "Dioscorea cirrhosa - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2025-07-11.