Dioscorea quinquelobata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dioscorea quinqueloba

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is situated in the order Dioscoreales and the family Dioscoreaceae. Its scientific classification is completed by the genus Dioscorea, specifically the species Dioscorea quinqueloobata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found across several key regions within Eastern Asia. In China, its distribution is specifically concentrated in the Southeast portion of the country. The species also extends its range into Japan, covering various parts of the archipelago. Furthermore, it is naturally occurring throughout Korea. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant includes the Nansei-shoto islands.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Dioscorea quinquefoliavata is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Functioning as a geophyte, it survives unfavorable environmental conditions by retreating into underground storage organs, specifically tubers, which protect the plant's vital structures. This survival strategy is consistent with its classification as a cryptophyte, as its regenerative buds remain hidden below the soil surface during periods of dormancy, ensuring its continued existence and ability to re-emerge when favorable conditions return.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Dioscorea quinqueloobata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb that functions as an obligatory climber, utilizing surrounding structures for upward support. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and it maintains a terrestrial lifestyle rather than being epiphytic. The plant's structural development is defined by its herbaceous nature, lacking any woody tissue throughout its vegetative stages.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

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

Gracillin

1. Nutrients

Preparations

Dioscorea quinquelobata has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include raw extract.

Raw extract

1. BMC nephrology