ISI 2021-16. Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl.

Dioscorea is a huge genus of more than 600 primarily tropical species. Most have fibrous root systems but a few produce edible, starchy tubers (e.g., the common yam). Those not familiar with the genus may be surprised at first to learn that the Dioscoreaceae is a monocot family. Its broad leaves resemble those of many dicots, but the parallel venation and floral characteristics make its affinities clear. Succulent collectors will be more familiar with the few species, most notably D. elephantipes, that produce woodier, above-ground caudices, studded with corky tubercles giving them the appearance of a tortoise’s shell. Those of Dioscorea sylvatica have some corky fissures when young but in maturity produce smoother lobes reminiscent of the jowls of a male orangutan. We offer seedlings from open pollinated plants of HBG 91661. These were grown from seed originally collected by Rod and Rachel Saunders of Silverhill Seeds in the Drakensberg, Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa. HBG 138966. $10.