Dioscorea collettii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dioscorea gracillima var. collettii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Dioscoreales, it is classified under the family Dioscoreaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Dioscorea, specifically as the species Dioscorea collettii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in East and Southeast Asia. Within China, it can be found growing in both the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its presence extends to the islands of Eastern Asia, specifically inhabiting Japan and Taiwan. Furthermore, the species is documented within the Indo-China region, notably in Laos. Collectively, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Dioscorea collettii is characterized by its specific distribution across montane environments, where it occupies a distinct altitudinal niche. This species is primarily found within a specialized vertical range, thriving at elevations starting from a minimum of 1500 m AMSL. The species demonstrates a preference for mid-to-high altitude habitats, with a mean elevation of approximately 2350 m AMSL, suggesting an adaptation to the temperate or sub-alpine climatic conditions typical of these zones. Its ecological limits extend to a maximum elevation of 3200 m AMSL, defining a broad yet specific environmental window that dictates its natural occurrence and habitat selection.

Elevational range max:

3200 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Dioscorea collettii is characterized by its classification as a geophyte and a cryptophyte, strategies that allow it to survive seasonal environmental fluctuations by retreating underground. As a geophyte, the plant relies on specialized underground storage organs, such as tubers or rhizomes, to persist through periods of dormancy or unfavorable conditions, ensuring that vital nutrients and energy reserves are protected beneath the soil surface. This cryptophytic nature means that its perennating buds are located below the ground, shielding them from herbivory and extreme temperature shifts. During the favorable growing season, the plant emerges from these subterranean structures to develop its vegetative components, utilizing its stored resources to facilitate rapid growth and reproduction before returning to its dormant state.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Dioscorea collettii is characterized by its growth habit as an obligatory climber, utilizing specialized structures to ascend through surrounding vegetation. It functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies toward its host plants. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its ecological niche, anchoring itself in the soil rather than growing as an epiphyte. Additionally, its physical structure is classified as non-woody, consisting of herbaceous stems that facilitate its climbing nature.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dioscorea collettii has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROFORM, DIOSGENIN, ETHYL ACETATE, STARCH, methanol.

CHLOROFORM

1. Journal of aquatic animal health

DIOSGENIN

1. BMC biochemistry

ETHYL ACETATE

1. Journal of aquatic animal health

STARCH

1. Journal of the science of food and agriculture

methanol

1. Journal of aquatic animal health

Preparations

Dioscorea collettii has 3 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include chloroform extracts, ethyl-acetate extracts, methanol extracts.

Chloroform extracts

1. Journal of aquatic animal health

Ethyl-acetate extracts

1. Journal of aquatic animal health

Methanol extracts

1. Journal of aquatic animal health