Forest yam (Dioscorea praehensilis, W.J.Hooker, Niger Fl.: 536 (1849))

Family: Dioscoreaceae

Author: Benth.

Bibliography: W.J.Hooker, Niger Fl.: 536 (1849)

Year: 1849

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dioscorea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. Africa

Description

Forest yam, scientifically known as Dioscorea praehensilis, is a notable species indigenous to the tropical regions of Africa. This plant is a member of the Dioscoreaceae family, a group recognized for its economic importance and ecological roles.

First cataloged in detail by the eminent botanist W.J. Hooker in his 1849 publication Niger Fl., Forest yam has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts for decades. The formal scientific description was provided by Benth., who adeptly classified this climber by examining its unique characteristics and its adaptation to the tropical African environment.

Dioscorea praehensilis thrives in the lush, humid climates typical of the tropics. It is prized for its tuberous roots that serve as a staple food source for many indigenous communities. These tubers are not only vital for their nutritional value but also play a role in traditional medicine and local customs. The plant’s sprawling vines and heart-shaped leaves make it easily distinguishable among the dense forest undergrowth.

Understanding the growth habits and ecological preferences of Forest yam is essential for conservationists and those working toward sustainable agriculture in tropical regions. As habitats face pressure from human activity and climate change, species like Dioscorea praehensilis require concerted efforts to preserve both their wild habitats and their genetic diversity.

In summary, Dioscorea praehensilis, or Forest yam, is much more than a food source; it is a key species in the tropical African ecosystem with rich cultural significance. Its documentation by Benth., and its early description by W.J. Hooker, anchor its botanical importance and ensure that its legacy endures both in scientific circles and among the communities that depend on it.

Common Names

Eng: bush yam, forest yam, white yam
Yor: ako isu, egún èsúrú, isu ode
Twi: bayere, ewuram bayere, mensa, ose kye
Wol: dolohom, nabal, ngolgol, nyambi ala
Hau: doóyàr daájii, doóyàr duutseè, doóyàr giíwaá, dóóya, káyàr-giíwaá, maáguraázaà
Aka: eurum bayiera
Fra: igname de brousse
Ibo: ji abi, jí àbí, mbo-utulu
Bam: nabi
Ido: ogigban, ugho
En: Forest yam, White yam, Bush yam, Mupama
Ak: Eurum bayiera
Bm: Nabi
Fr: Igname de brousse
Ha: Doóyàr daájii, Doóyàr duutseè, Doóyàr giíwaá, Dóóya, Káyàr-giíwaá, Maáguraázaà
Io: Ogigban, Ugho
Ig: Ji abi, Jí àbí, Mbo-utulu
Tw: Bayere, Ewuram bayere, Mensa, Ose kye
Wo: Dolohom, Nabal, Ngolgol, Nyambi ala
Yo: Ako isu, Egún èsúrú, Isu ode

Synonyms

• Dioscorea cayenensis var. praehensilis ((Benth.) A.Chev.)
• Dioscorea liebrechtsiana (De Wild. & T.Durand)
• Dioscorea odoratissima (Pax)
• Dioscorea angustiflora (Rendle)
• Dioscorea costermansiana (De Wild. & T.Durand)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Ibrahima MANDE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Ibrahima MANDE (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Ibrahima MANDE (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2754460)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:318450-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dioscorea praehensilis Benth.)

Specifications

Growth