Origin of Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill, commonly known as the forest yam, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape Province where it is found in the forest areas.
Common names
The common names of Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill include forest yam, woodland yam, and African yam.
Uses
The tubers of Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill are edible and have been traditionally used by the local communities in South Africa as a source of food. The tubers are high in starch and can be used in a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, and roasted dishes.
Aside from its use as a food source, the plant also has medicinal properties. The tubers contain compounds such as diosgenin, which has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomachache, diarrhoea, and dysentery.
General appearance
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill is a climbing plant, with stems that can grow up to 3 meters in length. The plant has heart-shaped leaves, which are alternate and arranged spirally along the stem. The flowers are small and greenish-white in color, arranged in panicles. The tubers are elongated, cylindrical, and can grow up to 60 cm in length and 10 cm in diameter. The outer layer of the tubers is brown, rough, and corky, while the inner flesh is white or yellowish in color.
Light requirements
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill prefers moderate to full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade, but long-term shade can affect its growth, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields.
Temperature requirements
The plant can grow in a range of temperature conditions, but it thrives under warm to moderate temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Cold temperatures below 10°C can hinder growth and lead to a reduced yield. Temperatures above 40°C can damage the plant, leading to withering and death.
Soil requirements
The plant grows best in well-draining, medium-textured soils with high organic matter content. The ideal soil pH range for Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill is between 5.0 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate acidic soil conditions as low as pH 4.0, but it can become stunted under alkaline conditions with pH greater than 7.5. The presence of high levels of salts, such as sodium chloride and sodium carbonate, can negatively affect its growth.
Cultivation methods
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill, also known as the forest yam, is a species native to South Africa. It can be cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as a source of food and medicine. The plant requires well-drained soils, and a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It is propagated through the use of tubers or stem cuttings.
Watering needs
The forest yam requires moderate watering, with well-spaced watering intervals. The plant should be irrigated once a week, with the frequency being adjusted during the hot season to prevent waterlogging. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant when the topsoil is dry. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can significantly reduce the plant's yield.
Fertilization
Application of the right fertilizers is critical when cultivating Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill. The recommended fertilizer is one that is high in potassium, with a balanced N-P-K ratio. It should also have trace elements such as magnesium, boron, and iron. The fertilizer should be applied during planting and every three months while the plant is growing. Applying fertilizer at the right concentrations ensures optimal plant growth and tuber yields.
Pruning
The forest yam plant requires minimal pruning since it climbs using tendrils. However, pruning can be done to control its growth and improve yield. Prune off any damaged or diseased leaves and stems to facilitate the channeling of nutrients to healthy parts of the plant. Tendrils can also be pruned to control the plant's spread and to prevent it from entangling with surrounding vegetation. Pruning should be done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing.
Propagation of Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill, commonly known as the Wild Yam or Mountain Yam, is a perennial plant that is native to Africa. The plant is primarily propagated via two methods: sexual propagation and asexual propagation.
Sexual Propagation
The sexual propagation method involves sowing seeds from the parent plant in a seedbed. The seeds require a well-draining and fertile soil mix for optimal growth, which should be kept moist but not soaked. It is best to sow the seeds in the early spring when the temperature is around 20-25°C.
It takes about 3 to 4 weeks for the seedlings to emerge. When the seedlings are 3-4 inches in size, they can be transplanted to a bigger pot or directly to the field.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation method involves planting stem cuttings from the parent plant. The best time to do this is during the plant's dormant period, which is usually in the autumn season. Care should be taken to select only mature and woody stems for cutting that are at least 7-8 inches in length.
The stem cutting is then planted in a well-drained soil mix that is kept moist but not soaked. The cutting should be placed in a warm and humid area, as this will increase the chances of success. Within a week or two, the stem will start growing roots and eventually develop into a new plant.
Both sexual and asexual propagation methods can be used to propagate Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill plants successfully. However, asexual propagation is often preferred because it allows you to create a genetically identical plant to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata (Dummer) Burkill is susceptible to various types of diseases. It is important to note that prevention is always better than cure. Here are some common diseases that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects many different plants, including Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata. Symptoms include small, dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. Infected areas may also become covered in a pinkish powdery coating.
The best way to manage this disease is to ensure that the plant is not under stress due to inappropriate soil and watering conditions. It is also beneficial to prune any affected areas and dispose of them properly. Fungicides may also be applied to affected areas according to manufacturer's instructions.
Rust
Rust is another fungal disease that can affect Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata. Symptoms include small, circular, rust-colored spots that appear on the plant's leaves. These spots can merge together, causing significant damage to the plant.
To manage rust, remove any infected areas and dispose of them properly. The use of a fungicide may also be necessary for severe cases. In addition, watering the plant from below rather than above can help minimize the disease's spread.
Pest Management
In addition to disease, pests can also be a problem for Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata. Here are some common pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are common pests that are known to attack Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata. These pests are not easily visible as they are very small, but their presence can be detected by the presence of webbing on the plant's leaves.
To manage spider mites, regular monitoring of the plant is necessary. Removing any infested areas and disposing of them properly is essential. In addition, the use of insecticidal soap or a miticide may be necessary for severe cases.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are another common pest that can attack Dioscorea sylvatica Eckl. var. paniculata. They often appear as white, powdery or cottony masses on the plant's leaves, and can cause significant damage if left unchecked.
To manage mealybugs, the use of insecticidal soap or a systemic insecticide may be necessary for severe cases. Pruning any severely damaged areas is also recommended. Additionally, regular monitoring of the plant is necessary to prevent any future infestations.
