Dioscorea saxatilis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dioscorea arenaria
• Dioscorea parviflora
• Dioscorea heterophylla var. longifolia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered as Dioscoreales and placed in the family Dioscoreaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Dioscorea, specifically the species Dioscorea saxatilis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is found in a very specific region of the Southern Hemisphere. Its geographical distribution is primarily limited to the continent of South America. More specifically, the species is native to the central portions of Chile. Within this area, it occupies unique ecological niches suitable for its growth. Consequently, its natural range is quite restricted to this particular part of the world.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Dioscorea saxatilis is characterized by its ability to inhabit a diverse altitudinal spectrum, allowing it to persist across varied topographical gradients. It thrives within a broad elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 1400 m AMSL. This wide distribution suggests a high degree of ecological plasticity, enabling the species to adapt to the shifting climatic conditions and soil compositions found between lowland coastal or valley environments and higher montane zones.

Elevational range max:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Dioscorea saxatilis is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a member of the cryptophyte group, its regenerative organs are protected below the soil surface, a strategy that facilitates survival during unfavorable environmental conditions. Specifically, the plant functions as a geophyte, relying on specialized underground storage structures to maintain its vitality and emerge during favorable periods.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Dioscorea saxatilis is characterized by a non-woody, herbaceous growth form, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. It is classified as a terrestrial plant, avoiding aquatic or semiaquatic habitats, and it grows as an obligatory climber, relying on external structures for support rather than being self-supporting. As a herb, its structure is defined by its soft, non-woody tissues, which facilitate its climbing habit across its natural terrestrial environment.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dioscorea saxatilis involves a specialized reproductive strategy characterized by the production of very fine, lightweight seeds designed for dispersal. Quantitative analysis of its reproductive output reveals a highly uniform seed size profile, with a recorded seed mass mean of 0.00528 g. This uniformity is absolute across the observed samples, as both the maximum and minimum seed mass values are also documented at 0.00528 g. Such minimal seed mass suggests an evolutionary adaptation for efficient wind or water dispersal, allowing the plant to colonize new habitats effectively despite the diminutive size of its individual propagules.

Seed mass mean:

0.00528 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dioscorea saxatilis has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, DIOSGENIN, Deltonin, Deltoside, Dioscin.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

DIOSGENIN

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Deltonin

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Deltoside

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Dioscin

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Diosgenin diglucoside

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Methyl parvifloside

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Parvifloside

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

STIGMASTEROL

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

prosapogenin A of dioscin

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Preparations

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

Etoh extract

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica