Origin and Common Names
Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. is a species of yam native to Central Africa, specifically Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. It is commonly known as "Iya-Misu" or "Misumari" in the local languages.
General Appearance
The plant is a perennial vine that grows up to 6 meters in length. It has a thick, woody stem that twists around trees and rocks for support. The leaves are heart-shaped and alternate along the stem, with a size of approximately 5-15cm in length. Dioscorea claessensii also produces small greenish flowers that are disposed in branched clusters. The fruit that the plant produces is a capsule, containing three heart-shaped flat seeds.
Uses
Dioscorea claessensii is an important food crop in its native regions. The tubers of the plant are consumed boiled or roasted, and are used to make flour for the preparation of various foods. In addition, the plant is used in traditional medicine; the sap obtained from the stem is applied externally to treat skin diseases such as boils and wounds, while the leaves are used to treat headache, fever, and stomach ailments. The plant is also used to make a local beverage known as "malafu" which is made from fermented yam juice.
Light Conditions
Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. is a tropical plant that requires bright but indirect sunlight. It is best to place this plant near a window, but ensure that the leaves do not burn from direct exposure to strong sunlight. If grown indoors, it can be placed under artificial light supplementing natural sunlight to attain the ideal light exposure.
Temperature Conditions
The ideal temperature range for Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius (68-86°F). Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (50°F) can lead to plant death. If temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, it can lead to dehydrated leaves and cause plant stress. The plant does best in warm and humid conditions that replicate its native climate.
Soil Requirements
Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic or neutral, with a pH that ranges from 5.5 to 6.5. A soil mix that comprises of equal parts of peat moss, sand, and perlite provides a reasonable mix for the needs of the plant. It is best to avoid soils that hold much water, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation of Dioscorea claessensii De Wild.
Dioscorea claessensii De Wild., commonly known as “Bitter Yam,” is a tropical plant native to Africa. This vine grows best in warm climates where the temperature ranges from 25 to 30 °C. It prefers a well-drained soil which is rich in organic matter, such as loamy soil.
To cultivate Dioscorea claessensii De Wild., you can propagate it by stem cuttings, tubers, and seeds. You should plant the stem cuttings directly into the soil, and ensure they receive adequate water and sunlight regularly. On the other hand, tubers should be planted at a depth of 10-15 cm and in a vertical position. Make sure to remove any damaged or diseased parts of the tubers before planting.
When planting from seeds, you should first soak them in water for 24 hours before sowing. Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. should be sown in well-drained soil in a warm and sheltered position. You need to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged for the first few weeks after planting.
Watering Needs
Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. requires regular watering to ensure that the soil is evenly moist and to prevent the roots from drying out. You should water the plant frequently during the growing season, but be careful not to over-water it. Over-watering can lead to waterlogging, which can cause the roots to rot and the plant to die.
The frequency of watering should be reduced during the dormant season. You should wait until the soil surface has dried out before watering the plant. It’s important to note that the plant should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and encourage fruiting, Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. requires regular fertilization. It’s recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season to ensure optimal growth.
You can use organic fertilizer, such as compost, or a commercial fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can cause fertilizer burn and damage the plant’s roots.
Pruning
Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. requires very little pruning. However, you can pinch back the tips of the vines to promote bushier growth. You should also remove any dead or damaged stems and leaves to maintain the plant’s health and appearance.
It’s important to note that Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. is a climbing plant, and it requires support from trellises or other structures. You should tie the stems to the trellis or support structure as they grow to prevent them from breaking under the weight of the plant.
Propagating Dioscorea claessensii De Wild.
Propagation of Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. can be carried out through three main methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. can be planted in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The seeds should be planted two to three inches deep and covered with soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent rotting of the seeds. The seeds of Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. germinate within two to three weeks.
Tuber Propagation
Tuber propagation is another method for propagating Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. The tuber should be divided into sections, and each section should contain at least one bud. The sections of the tuber should be planted in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and the buds should be facing upwards. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent rotting of the tuber sections. The tuber sections will develop into new plants within a few months.
Cuttings Propagation
Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the stem of a mature plant and planted in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The cuttings should be at least six inches long and should be planted two to three inches deep. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent rotting of the cuttings. The cuttings will develop roots within a few weeks and will grow into new plants.
Disease Management for Dioscorea claessensii De Wild.
Some of the common diseases that affect Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes black or brown spots on the leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and eventual plant death. Good sanitation practices, such as removing infected leaves and debris around the plant, can help reduce the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be applied to manage the disease.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth and eventual death. To manage the disease, it is important to plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to manage root rot.
- Bacterial wilt: This disease causes wilting of leaves and stems and is caused by a bacterium. There is no known cure for bacterial wilt, so it is important to practice good sanitation practices and remove infected plants to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management for Dioscorea claessensii De Wild.
Some common pests that can affect Dioscorea claessensii De Wild. are:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to become distorted and stunted. Aphids can be managed by introducing natural predators such as lady beetles or by using insecticidal soaps or oils.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests cause leaves to turn yellow and develop a stippled appearance. They can be managed by introducing natural predators such as predatory mites or by using insecticidal soaps or oils.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars feed on the stems of the plant, cutting them off at ground level. Cutworms can be managed by using physical barriers around the plant or by using insecticides.
