Dioscorea cirrhosa
Dioscorea cirrhosa | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Dioscoreales |
Family: | Dioscoreaceae |
Genus: | Dioscorea |
Species: | D. cirrhosa
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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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- ^ a b c "Dioscorea cirrhosa". www.asianplant.net. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ a b "Dyeing yam (Dioscorea cirrhosa)". PictureThis. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ a b c d "Dioscorea cirrhosa - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2025-07-11.