Dioscorea

Dioscorea plant - family. Dioscoreaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Dioscorea is a perennial herbaceous plant, shrub or vine. At the base there is often a large rounded caudex, which stores nutrients and water. In adult specimens, the caudex reaches a diameter of 1 m. In spring, thin stems appear, which develop very quickly. 

Heart-shaped leaves up to 20 cm long and 15 cm wide, shiny, dark olive, arranged alternately, on long petioles up to 6 cm.

In late summer, small inflorescences of small, fragrant, greenish-white flowers are formed.

Height. Varies depending on the species. Vines grow quickly and reach a height of 2-3 m in one season; subshrubs can grow only up to 20 cm. In autumn, growth stops, the leaves turn yellow and fall off, and the stems often die.

Planting and care

Reproduction

It is propagated by small tubers that appear in autumn on white and fleshy roots. Stem cuttings 5 ​​- 15 cm long are rooted in early summer. It is recommended to first place the lower end of the cutting in rooting powder. The cuttings take root well in new conditions and after a few weeks they give new growth.

Transplanting

Plant tubers in early spring, before growth begins, in loose, moist, nutritious soil. Cover potted plants with a plastic cap or glass to maintain humidity and place in a warm place. New shoots will appear within 7 to 10 days. This species prefers somewhat cramped conditions.

Growing conditions - temperature

Regular room temperature is suitable for dioscorea in the warm season. In winter, tubers are stored at temperatures below 13 ° C. 

Lighting

During the period of active growth, provide a brightly lit place with direct sunlight for 3-4 hours a day in the morning or evening. In winter, during the dormant period, keep the tubers in the dark.

Maintenance

Dioscorea is a tropical plant that needs a warm and humid atmosphere. Long thin stems of vines must be provided with support. Subshrubs require pruning to maintain a bushy, compact form. Pruning is carried out only after the leaves turn yellow and fall off. 

Soil

The liana does not like heavy, clayey soil; it prefers nutrient-rich, light soil with good drainage.

Fertilizer

During active growth, apply regular liquid fertilizer every two weeks. He loves organic fertilizers very much. 

When it blooms

Small green flowers appear on the plant in late summer, but they are insignificant. 

Spraying

Tolerates dry air from heated rooms, but it is better to spray periodically. 

Irrigation

In winter, the tubers are stored in a dry place. In the spring, after planting, water moderately and allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. When the shoots reach a height of 30 cm, water generously, but do not allow water to stagnate in the tray. In the fall, when the leaves die off, reduce watering - the succulent needs to go into a dormant state.

Note

The roots of some types are edible and are often eaten. 

Pests and diseases

Brown spots on the leaves appear when there is too much light - this is sunburn. Do not water the bushes that are in direct sunlight during the day - leave this task for the morning so that the leaves have time to dry and the sun does not burn them. The flower slows down its growth if the temperature is too low.

Among the pests, the plant can be attacked by red spider mites. 

Varieties:

Dioscorea caucasica

The most common type is a dioecious plant - a vine with alternate, green, heart-shaped leaves. The flowers are very small, collected in very loose inflorescences - clusters, yellowish. In general, the flowering is inconspicuous and not of particular interest. Dioscorea Caucasica is valued not for its appearance, but for its widespread use in folk medicine. Various parts of the plant are used to treat disorders of the cardiovascular system, as an immunomodulatory agent, and has choleretic and diuretic properties. 

Dioscorea nipponica

A beautiful liana with emerald, palmately dissected leaves up to 20 cm long. The leaf blades are glossy, covered with a whole network of pronounced veins. In general, the leaves of this subspecies can vary in shape and size. The plant stems reach a length of 5 m. During the flowering period, it forms loose clusters with attractive white, bell-shaped flowers.

Dioscorea elephantipes

A very beautiful deciduous subspecies, with a huge grayish-green caudex with high, polygonal projections. The caudex's projections have attractive stripes of color - in shades of brown and gray - overall it closely resembles a tortoise shell. At the top of the caudex there are thin, twisting, soft green shoots about 50 cm long with alternately arranged heart-shaped leaves. With age, the shoots become woody and covered with brown bark at the base. The leaf blades are slightly bent in the center, glossy. The flowers are small - yellow and green. 

Dioscorea villosa

A liana with long and thin shoots of green color. Stems rarely branch. The leaves are heart-shaped, alternate, on long petioles, glossy. The lower surface of the leaf blades has short pubescence and a lighter shade than the upper. The inflorescence is branched and bears many small yellowish flowers. 

Dioscorea deltoidea

A perennial plant - a liana with thin, unbranched stems reaching a length of 3 m. The leaves are green, oblong - heart-shaped, with deep veins, arranged alternately. The lower surface of the leaf blades is covered with delicate pubescence. The flowers are yellowish-green, small, inconspicuous. 

Dioscorea  oppositifolia

A vine with thin, twisting shoots that sometimes take on a purple hue. The leaves are green, simple, oblong, shiny, and can be either whole or slightly palmately dissected. Male and female flowers are located on different plants, collected in large clusters.

Dioscorea sylvatica

The herbaceous plant is a succulent with a large and attractive brown caudex and thin, arching stems called vines. The stems grow very quickly and can reach 4 - 5 m in length in just one season. The leaves are heart-shaped, green, on long petioles, with pronounced branched veins, arranged alternately. Young leaves have a lighter and glossier leaf blade. The caudex can reach 1 m in diameter and sometimes forms regular polygonal protrusions. The flowers are greenish or cream, collected in inflorescences - brushes. Male and female flowers are located on different plants.