Dioscorea communis
Dioscorea communis, commonly known as the common yam, is a perennial climbing vine native to Europe and parts of Asia. Belonging to the Dioscoreaceae family, this medicinal plant is valued for its tuberous roots, which contain bioactive compounds traditionally used in various folk remedies to treat diverse health conditions.
- Scientific name: Dioscorea communis
- Family: Dioscoreaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Dioscoreales. Finally, its taxonomic hierarchy places it in the family Dioscoreaceae and 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 communis, is referred to by various local names depending on the region and language. In vector language, it is called Tanoni, while in Basque, it is known as Apo-mahats. In the Serbian dialects, it goes by the name Bljušt (sr-el) or Бљушт (sr-ec), and in Romanian, it is commonly called Untul pământului.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| vec | Tanoni | Wikidata |
| eu | Apo-mahats | Wikidata |
| sr-el | Bljušt | Wikidata |
| sr-ec | Бљушт | Wikidata |
| ro | Untul pământului | Wikidata |
| ca | gatmaimó | Wikidata |
| uk | Тамус звичайний | Wikidata |
| lv | Parastais tamus | Wikidata |
| it | Tamus communis | Wikidata |
| de | Gemeine Schmerwurz | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific range of occurrence across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence can be identified in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is also found within the borders of Belgium. Additionally, its distribution extends into the central landscapes of Germany. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant includes the country of Austria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Dioscorea communis, utilizes its underground structures for nutrient storage and propagation. The medicinal properties are primarily concentrated within the root system, which develops into thick, fleshy tubers. In addition to these primary roots, the plant produces rhizomes that facilitate vegetative spreading through the soil, ensuring the survival and expansion of the species in its natural habitat.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Dioscorea communis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Dioscorea communis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |