Photo of Dioscorea sylvatica form by Martin Heigan

Photo by Martin Heigan

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

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Dioscorea sylvatica

Also Known As

  • Elephant's Foot
  • Wild Yam

Plant type

vine, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 6'-14'
  • W: 1'-15'

planting zones

  • 10a-12

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Dioscorea sylvatica plant details

Dioscorea sylvatica is a broadleaf deciduous bulb / corm / tuber or vine with green foliage. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Prefers to be dry in winter, dry when dormant. Does well in rich soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dioscorea sylvatica

Plant type: bulb / corm / tuber or vine
Plant family: dioscoreaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 15 FT - wide, 6 FT - 14 FT - tall

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dioscorea sylvatica

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: rich

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Ecklon Cape Province, South Africa, related to D. paniculata and D. Elephantipes. The Bantu people specially treat the caudex for eating. Many dioscorea are poisonous and require special preparation before becoming edible. Rarely offered in cultivation.

Gardening facts about Dioscorea sylvatica plant

How to Grow Dioscorea sylvatica

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Soil Needs

    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

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