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Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa): Native Vine with Medicinal Root

Overview

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), also called colic root, is a twining vine native to eastern North America. It has heart-shaped leaves and small greenish flowers. The rhizome contains diosgenin, a precursor for steroid hormones.

Botanical Details

Family:	Dioscoreaceae
Genus:	Dioscorea (dy-oh-SKOR-ee-uh)
Species:	villosa (vil-OH-suh)
Synonym:	Dioscorea hirticaulis
Synonym:	Dioscorea villosa var. hirticaulis

Uses

Historically used for menstrual cramps, colic, and inflammation. Modern source of diosgenin for pharmaceutical synthesis. Not typically eaten. Grows in woods and thickets. Dioecious.

Herbs: Daylily 'Wild One' (Hemerocallis 'Wild One') – Cultivar Profile; Wild Hibiscus (Hibiscus pedunculatus): African Species; Xanthorhiza simplicissima: Yellow Root – Native Spreading Shrub for Shade; Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Woodland Native with Pink Flowers; Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Classic Mediterranean Herb for Kitchen and Garden; Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium): Wild, Flavorful Berries for Naturalistic Gardens; Winged Yam (Dioscorea alata): Tropical Staple Crop; Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa): Native Vine with Medicinal Root; Orris Root Iris (Iris 'Florentina'): Source of Precious Perfume Fixative; Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa): Native Florida Shrub with Red Berries

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