Origin
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill, commonly known as wild yam or forest yam, is native to Southern Africa. It is commonly found in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland.
Common Names
Wild yam is also known by several other common names such as Mulolo, Morojele, and Mokotlonyane in South Africa, and isidudu in Zimbabwe.
Uses
Wild yam has several medicinal uses and is highly valued by traditional healers in Southern Africa. The tubers of the plant are rich in chemical compounds such as diosgenin, which has been identified as a precursor for the production of cortisone and other steroids. Hence, the plant is used in the production of steroids for the pharmaceutical industry. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, and problems associated with childbirth, such as menstrual cramps and morning sickness. Additionally, the plant is used as a food source in some parts of Southern Africa, especially during times of food scarcity.
General Appearance
The wild yam plant is a hardy climb that grows up to 6 meters in length, and its tubers can weigh up to 20 kg. The leaves of the plant are typically dark green, heart-shaped, and pointed, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The plant produces small white to yellow flowers, which are arranged in clusters on long spikes. The fruit of the plant is a flat capsule that contains several seeds.
Growth Conditions of Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill
Light Requirements: Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill typically requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In its natural habitat, it is commonly found growing under the canopy of larger trees, which provides partial shade.
Temperature Requirements: The ideal temperature range for Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill growth is between 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F). It can tolerate higher temperatures ranging from 32°C to 38°C (90°F to 100°F) but may suffer heat stress if exposed to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods of time. The plant is also relatively frost-tolerant and can survive temperatures as low as -3°C (27°F).
Soil Requirements: This plant prefers well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. It can also grow in sandy soil and rocky areas. The ideal pH range for Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill growth is between 5.5 and 6.5. It is also important to note that this plant is sensitive to waterlogging and should not be planted in areas with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill is a perennial plant that grows well in tropical climates. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant requires partial to full sunlight and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Celsius.
The plant can be propagated through seed or vegetatively through stem cuttings. It is important to plant the cutting or seedling at the right depth to ensure proper growth. A spacing of 2-3 feet should be maintained between plants to allow sufficient sunlight and airflow.
Watering Needs
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill requires consistent moisture in the soil to grow and thrive. Watering should be done regularly, but care must be taken not to overwater the plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
During the plant's active growing season, it should be watered two to three times a week, depending on the weather conditions. In the dormant season, watering can be reduced to once a week.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to maintain soil fertility and promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is suitable for this plant species. Fertilization should be done every four to six weeks during the active growing season.
The amount of fertilizer to be applied depends on the age and growth of the plant. Younger plants will need less fertilizer than mature ones. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the fertilizer.
Pruning
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill is a climbing plant that requires support to grow properly. Pruning is done to control the plant's growth and shape.
Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging the plant. All dead or weak branches should be pruned, and the plant should be trained to grow along a trellis or support. The plant should be pruned regularly to prevent it from becoming too dense and to allow sufficient sunlight and airflow.
Propagation of Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill, commonly known as Forest Yam or Wildepatat, can be propagated through various methods. The most common methods used for propagating this plant species are through the use of tubers, stem cuttings, and seeds.
Propagation using tubers
The propagation of Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill using tubers is the most common and easiest method of propagating the plant. Tubers should be collected from healthy and disease-free plants, and propagated during the dormant season. The tubers should be cut into pieces, each piece containing an eye or a bud. The cut tubers should be treated with fungicide to prevent fungal infections, dipped in rooting hormone, and planted in suitable soil at a depth of 5 cm.
Propagation using stem cuttings
Propagation of Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill using stem cuttings is a less common method. For this method, healthy stems should be cut into pieces of about 30 cm in length, with each piece containing at least two nodes. The cuttings should then be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots have formed.
Propagation using seeds
Propagation of Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill using seeds is a relatively difficult method. Seeds should be collected from healthy plants, and planted immediately after harvesting in well-draining soil. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil, kept moist, and placed in a warm, well-lit area. Germination usually occurs within a few weeks to a few months depending on environmental conditions.
Disease Management
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill is a hardy plant species that is not prone to many diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by the following diseases:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and drying of the leaves. It can also lead to stem cankers and rot. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected parts of the plant and apply a suitable fungicide.
- Bacterial blight: This is a bacterial disease that causes water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stem. The lesions eventually turn black and cause the leaves to wither and die. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected parts of the plant and apply a suitable bactericide.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected parts of the plant and apply a suitable fungicide.
Pest Management
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. multiflora (Marloth) Burkill can also be affected by a few pests:
- Mites: Mites can cause the leaves to become discolored and stippled. To manage mites, apply a suitable miticide.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs can cause the leaves to become yellow and sticky. They can also produce a sugary substance that attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, apply a suitable insecticide and remove any ants that may be present.
- Scale insects: Scale insects can cause the leaves to wilt and yellow. They can also produce a sticky substance that attracts ants. To manage scale insects, apply a suitable insecticide and remove any ants that may be present.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestation. Early intervention can prevent the spread of the problem and ensure the plant remains healthy.
