Dioscorea dumetorum

Dioscorea dumetorum, also known as the bitter yam, cluster yam, or three-leaved yam,[1] is a species of yam in the genus Dioscorea that is found in Africa.[2]

Dioscorea dumetorum
Dioscorea dumetorum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Dioscoreales
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Genus: Dioscorea
Species:
D. dumetorum
Binomial name
Dioscorea dumetorum
(Kunth) Pax

Description

D. dumetorum has distinctive trifoliate leaves, similar to the Indian three-leaf yam Dioscorea hispida.[1]

Its wild form is highly toxic due to the high content of dihydrodioscorine, which is used for making arrow poison in some areas. In order to remove toxins, the wild form needs to be leached in water for days and thoroughly cooked.[1]

D. dumetorum is mainly cultivated in the Bight of Biafra region from southeast Nigeria to Gabon, as well in the Ubangi-Shari region of inland Central Africa.[1]

Vernacular names

Local names for D. dumetorum in West African languages:[1]

See also

References

  1. Blench, Roger (2006). Archaeology, language, and the African past. Altamira Press. ISBN 9780759104655.
  2. "Flora of Zimbabwe: Species information: Dioscorea dumetorum". www.zimbabweflora.co.zw. Retrieved 2017-01-07.


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