Dioscorea melanophyma

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dioscorea tenii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Dioscorea melanophyma is defined by its occupation of distinct montane altitudinal gradients, where it thrives within a specific vertical niche. This species is typically found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 1200 m AMSL to a maximum of 3400 m AMSL. Across its natural distribution, the plant maintains an average elevation of approximately 2000 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-to-high altitude environments. This broad elevational span indicates an ability to adapt to varying environmental pressures, including fluctuations in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and moisture availability characteristic of different montane strata.

Elevational range max:

3400 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Dioscorea melanophyma is characterized by its specialized survival strategy as a geophyte, a classification that falls under the broader category of cryptophytes. As a geophyte, the plant relies on underground storage organs, such as tubers, to persist through unfavorable environmental conditions or dormant seasons. This life strategy allows the plant to protect its vital nutrients and regenerative tissues beneath the soil surface, ensuring survival when the aerial parts of the plant die back. By employing this cryptophytic mechanism, Dioscorea melanophyma can effectively time its emergence and vegetative growth with optimal seasonal cycles, utilizing its stored energy to rapidly establish its climbing or trailing structures once favorable conditions return.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Dioscorea melanophyma is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb that functions as an obligatory climber. It develops as a vine or liana, relying on external structures for support rather than being self-supporting. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and its lifestyle is strictly terrestrial rather than epiphytic.

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dioscorea melanophyma is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering period and the development of distinct fruit structures. The flowering cycle typically commences in July and continues through until October. Following pollination, the plant produces fruits that exhibit highly consistent morphological dimensions. The fruit is characterized by a mean, maximum, and minimum length of 1.5 cm, while its width is uniformly consistent at 1 cm (representing the mean, maximum, and minimum values).

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Oct

Fruit length max:

1.5 cm

Fruit width max:

1 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dioscorea melanophyma has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include STARCH.

STARCH

1. Journal of the science of food and agriculture