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air yam

Scientific Name: Dioscorea bulbifera

Family: Dioscoreaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera)

The air potato, scientifically known as Dioscorea bulbifera, is a member of the yam family (Dioscoreaceae). It is recognized by several common names, including air yam, bitter yam, and potato yam. In Sanskrit, it's known as varahi, and in Malayalam, it's called kaachil.

Considerations for Pets

  • Dioscorea bulbifera produces bulbils along its vining stems, sometimes described as "potato-like."
  • The plant produces tubers.

Considerations for Children

  • Dioscorea bulbifera produces bulbils along its vining stems, sometimes described as "potato-like."
  • The plant produces tubers.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Dioscorea bulbifera
  • Family: Dioscoreaceae (Yam family)
  • Synonym: Dioscorea batatas (for Dioscorea oppositifolia, the Chinese Yam or Cinnamon Vine)

Distribution and Habitat

The air potato is native to Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It has been introduced to other regions and can now be found in areas such as Florida and Louisiana. It may also be native to tropical Africa and Australia.

Ecological Role

Dioscorea bulbifera is considered an invasive species in some regions, including Florida. It is an aggressive, twining vine that can smother nearby vegetation. A single vine can produce a large number of tubers, contributing to its rapid spread.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The air potato is a perennial vine with hairless, branching, and twining stems.
  • It is a climbing vine that can reach up to 65 feet (20 meters) in height.

Interactions with Other Organisms

As an invasive species, the air potato can negatively impact native vegetation by shading it out.

Further Information

  • USDA's National Invasive Species Information Center offers a species profile for the air potato.
  • The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has conducted research on growing seed yams in the air using aeroponics.