Dioscoreaceae is a plant family in the Plantae kingdom, order Dioscoreales, class Liliopsida. The family contains 32 accepted species worldwide. Some species in this family are toxic — exercise caution when handling unknown specimens.
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Dioscorea pentaphylla L.
Dioscorea pentaphylla, or fiveleaf yam, is a cultivated edible yam species nativ…
Dioscorea mexicana Scheidw.
Dioscorea mexicana is a caudiciform yam from Mexico to Panama, a historic source…
Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) Kuntze
Tacca leontopetaloides (Polynesian arrowroot) is an ancient Austronesian root cr…
⚠️ Poisonous
Tacca chantrieri André
Tacca chantrieri, the bat flower, is a distinctive Southeast Asian plant with un…
Dioscorea communis (L.) Caddick & Wilkin
Dioscorea communis, or black bryony, is a poisonous climbing herb, native to Eur…
⚠️ Poisonous
Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.
Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese yam) is an edible yam cultivated for food and use…
Dioscorea dregeana (Kunth) T.Durand & Schinz
Dioscorea dregeana is a native tuberous perennial from eastern South Africa and …
Tacca palmata Blume
Tacca palmata Blume is a Dioscoreaceae plant native to multiple Southeast Asian …
Dioscorea elephantipes (L'Hér.) Engl.
Dioscorea elephantipes, also called elephant's foot, is a deciduous South Africa…
Dioscorea japonica Thunb.
Dioscorea japonica Thunb. is an edible yam native to East Asia and the Himalayas…
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl.
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. is a variable, widespread yam with a flattened caudex …
Tacca cristata Jack
Tacca integrifolia is a herbaceous batflower that grows in rainforest understori…
Dioscoreaceae plants belong to the Dioscoreales order in the Plantae kingdom. This species is well known for producing diosgenin, a compound used as a precursor for synthesizing hormones such as progesterone. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.
Dioscoreaceae is classified in the order Dioscoreales, class Liliopsida, phylum Tracheophyta. It is an unusual plant notable for its black flowers.
Yes, some Dioscoreaceae species are toxic or poisonous. Always exercise caution with unknown specimens. View poisonous Dioscoreaceae species or browse the full poisonous species guide.
Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer
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