Dioscorea cayenensis subsp. rotundata

Dioscorea cayennensis subsp. rotundata, commonly known as white yam, is a vital tuberous plant central to West African agriculture and traditional medicine. Renowned for its nutritional density, it is utilized in folk remedies to manage inflammation, support digestive health, and enhance overall vitality through its diverse bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Dioscorea cayenensis subsp. rotundata
  • Family: Dioscoreaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Dioscoreales, it is a member of the family Dioscoreaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Dioscorea as the subspecies Dioscorea cayenensis subsp. rotundata.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Dioscoreales WCVP
Family Dioscoreaceae WCVP
Genus Dioscorea WCVP

Distribution

This plant, known as Dioscorea cayenensis subsp. rotundata, is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its presence can be documented within the borders of Benin. It also grows naturally throughout the territory of Burkina. Furthermore, the species is found in the coastal and inland areas of Gambia. Finally, its geographical range extends into Guinea-Bissau.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP