Overview of Dioscorea Altissima Lam.
Dioscorea altissima Lam. is commonly known as water yam or bih arege in Cameroon. It belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae and is a tuberous climbing plant characterized by its long flexible stem and heart-shaped leaves. It is mostly found in the tropical rainforest regions of West and Central Africa and is widely distributed in countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Congo, and Angola.
General Appearance
The Dioscorea altissima Lam. plant has a tuberous, cylindrical root that measures up to 1 meter in length and 30 cm in diameter. The vine is usually slim, flexible, and can grow up to 10 m long. It has heart-shaped and palmate leaves with a length of 10 - 35cm and width of 8 - 30 cm. The plant has either male or female flowers that grow on different plants and are usually small and greenish. The stem is green and grows in a winding manner around trees, bushes, or on the ground.
Common Uses
The Dioscorea altissima Lam. is an important source of food in the West and Central African regions. It is a staple food in Cameroon and is consumed in different forms, including boiled, pounded into fufu, roasted, or as an ingredient in various dishes. The leaves of the Dioscorea altissima Lam. are also used as food and are cooked as a vegetable. Medicinally, the plant is used to treat various conditions such as malaria, digestive disorders, and infections. Additionally, the plant has been found to have potential industrial uses such as in the production of starch and biofuels.
In summary, the Dioscorea altissima Lam. plant is a tuberous climbing plant mostly found in West and Central Africa. It has a slim, flexible vine, heart-shaped and palmate leaves, and small greenish flowers. The herb is a significant source of food, medicine, and has promising industrial applications.Typical Growth Conditions of Dioscorea altissima Lam.
Dioscorea altissima Lam. is a plant that requires a combination of suitable environmental conditions for optimal growth and development. The following are the growth conditions needed to cultivate this plant:
Light Requirements
Dioscorea altissima Lam. requires an adequate amount of light to grow vigorously. It is a shade-tolerant plant, but it grows best when exposed to filtered sunlight or partial shade. Direct sunlight exposure for an extended period can harm the plant. Therefore, the best growth condition for Dioscorea altissima Lam. is in areas where there is bright, indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Dioscorea altissima Lam. is warm and humid. The plant requires a temperature range of 20 to 27°C (68 to 81°F) for optimal growth. It can survive in temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) but cannot thrive in temperatures above 35°C (95°F). The plant prefers a high humidity level, and if the air is too dry, the leaves will wither and die.
Soil Requirements
Dioscorea altissima Lam. requires a moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter for optimal growth. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant grows well in loamy or clay soil with high fertility. It is also essential to ensure that the soil has good drainage because the plant's roots can quickly rot in waterlogged soil.
In summary, providing the necessary light, temperature, and soil requirements is crucial for Dioscorea altissima Lam. to thrive and grow into a mature, healthy plant.
Cultivation methods for Dioscorea altissima Lam.
Dioscorea altissima Lam. thrives in warm and humid climates. The plant requires rich and well-draining soil to grow, and it can tolerate acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. Propagation is typically done through stem cuttings or tubers.
The ideal planting season for Dioscorea altissima Lam. is early spring. Dig a hole that's twice the size of the plant's root ball and plant it at the same depth as it was in its initial pot. Space the plant at least six feet apart to give it enough room to grow and develop.
Watering needs for Dioscorea altissima Lam.
Dioscorea altissima Lam. prefers evenly moist soil, so it's essential to water the plant regularly. However, avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot, especially during the winter season. In the absence of rainfall or irrigation, water the plant to keep the soil consistently moist.
Fertilization for Dioscorea altissima Lam.
Dioscorea altissima Lam. benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with high nitrogen content every four weeks during the growing season. Once the plant has reached maturity, reduce the frequency of fertilizer application to once every six weeks. Avoid overfertilizing as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning for Dioscorea altissima Lam.
Pruning is not necessary for Dioscorea altissima Lam. However, you can remove any damaged or decaying foliage to promote growth and aesthetic value. The plant grows rapidly and can cover a large area quickly so it's important to keep it in check.
Propagation of Dioscorea altissima Lam.
Dioscorea altissima Lam., also known as the "water yam," is a species of yam that is widely cultivated in tropical regions of the world. It is a climbing plant that produces large, edible tubers that are rich in starch and other nutrients.
Seed propagation
Dioscorea altissima Lam. can be propagated from seeds, which are usually collected from the mature fruits of the plant. The seeds are then cleaned, dried, and stored until they are ready to be planted.
To propagate the plant from seeds, the seeds are soaked in water for several hours to soften the outer coat. They are then planted in a well-draining soil mix in a seedling tray or directly in the ground. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and the seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Tuber propagation
Dioscorea altissima Lam. can also be propagated from tubers, which are either obtained from mature plants or produced from seedlings. To produce tubers from seedlings, the young plants are grown in large containers filled with well-draining soil mix. As the plants grow, they produce underground tubers, which can be harvested when the plant dies back in the winter.
To propagate the plant from tubers, the tubers are cut into pieces, each containing one or more "eyes." These pieces are then planted in a well-draining soil mix in a container or directly in the ground. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and the plants should be protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Cutting propagation
Dioscorea altissima Lam. can also be propagated from stem cuttings, which are taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be several inches long and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
To propagate the plant from cuttings, the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix in a container or directly in the ground. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Disease Management
Dioscorea altissima Lam. is susceptible to various diseases that can negatively impact its growth and reproduction. The most common diseases affecting the plant include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. To manage leaf spot and powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices like removing any infected plant parts and avoiding over-watering. Additionally, spraying the plant with a suitable fungicide with active ingredients like copper can be an effective control measure. Root rot, on the other hand, is caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in waterlogged soils. To prevent this, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soils and avoid watering too frequently.
Pest Management
Several pests can also attack Dioscorea altissima Lam. and cause significant damage. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can cause physical damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and young shoots, and in severe cases, they can cause stunted growth and premature death. To manage these pests, one can use natural control methods like introducing natural predators or using insecticidal soaps. Additionally, encouraging natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can be a great control measure as they feed on the pests. It is essential to monitor the plant regularly to detect any infestations and take action as soon as possible.
