Dioscorea melanophyma
Dioscorea melanophyma, commonly known as a medicinal yam, is a climbing plant valued for its therapeutic potential. Native to specific tropical regions, it contains bioactive compounds utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Research continues to explore its phytochemical properties and its role in supporting holistic wellness practices.
- Scientific name: Dioscorea melanophyma
- Family: Dioscoreaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Dioscoreales. Finally, it is a member of the family Dioscoreaceae and falls under 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 melanophyma, is referred to by several different common names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is identified by the names 黑珠芽薯蓣, 黑珠芽薯蓣, and 黑弹子, with the specific regional designation 黑珠芽薯蓣 also being used to describe this medicinal species.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 黑珠芽薯蓣 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 黑珠芽薯蓣 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 黑珠芽薯蓣 | Wikidata |
| zh | 黑弹子 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific range of distribution across parts of Asia. In China, it can be found growing throughout the South-Central regions as well as in Tibet. Its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it inhabits the state of Assam. Additionally, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Bangladesh. Finally, its geographical reach includes the mountainous terrain of the East Himalaya.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
Chemicals
Dioscorea melanophyma has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include starch.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| starch | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |