Dioscoreaceae (/ˌdaɪəˌskɔːriˈeɪsii/) is a family of monocotyledonous flowering plants, with about 715 known species in nine genera. The best-known member of the family is the yam (some species of Dioscorea). Yam is the common name for some plant species in the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae) that form edible tubers. Yams are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption of their starchy tubers in many temperate and tropical regions, especially in Africa, South America and the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania. The tubers themselves, also called "yams", come in a variety of forms owing to numerous cultivars and related species. Learn more about Yam
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Yam Species Videos
Common Name | Scientific Name | Conservation Status |
Yam (13 videos) | Dioscorea spiculiflora | Not Available |