Dioscorea caucasica
Dioscorea caucasica, commonly known as the Caucasian yam, is a perennial climbing plant native to the Caucasus region. Renowned for its tuberous roots, this medicinal species is valued in traditional ethnobotany. It contains bioactive compounds that offer potential therapeutic benefits, making it a subject of interest for pharmacological research.
- Scientific name: Dioscorea caucasica
- Family: Dioscoreaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Dioscoreales, specifically within the family Dioscoreaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Dioscorea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Dioscoreales | WCVP |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Dioscorea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Dioscorea caucasica, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In Russia, it is referred to as Диоскорея кавказская, while in Bulgaria, it is called кавказка диоскорея. In Azerbaijan, the name used is Qafqaz dioskoreyası, and in Poland, it is known as Jams kaukaski. Additionally, in China, the plant is identified by the name 高加索薯蓣.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ru | Диоскорея кавказская | Wikidata |
| bg | кавказка диоскорея | Wikidata |
| az | Qafqaz dioskoreyası | Wikidata |
| pl | Jams kaukaski | Wikidata |
| zh | 高加索薯蓣 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is native to the specific mountainous regions of the Caucasus. Its presence is primarily documented within the North Caucasus area. Additionally, it can be found extending into the Transcaucasus region. These two distinct zones define its natural geographical range. Consequently, the species is highly characteristic of this particular Caucasian landscape.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Caucasus | North Caucasus | WCVP |
| Caucasus | Transcaucasus | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Dioscorea caucasica, is a climbing perennial species characterized by its specialized underground structures. While many members of the Dioscorea genus are known for their tuberous roots, the medicinal properties and essential nutrients of this specific species are primarily concentrated within its rhizomes. These thickened, fleshy rhizomes serve as vital storage organs, allowing the plant to persist through dormant seasons and providing the chemical compounds used in traditional applications.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Dioscorea caucasica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Deltonin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Deltonin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |