Dioscorea hispida, also known as the Indian three-leaved yam, (Tagalog: nami) is a species of yam in the genus Dioscorea, native to South and Southeast Asia. Known to be poisonous when fresh, careful processing is required to render it edible.
Intoxicating yam is fairly disease-resistant and generally not prone to illness. However, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment, and these problems are usually not severe. Regarding care, the plant requires moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to keep a good appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Intoxicating yam is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand much care experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Dioscorea Hispida.
Light
The intoxicating yam naturally occurs in places like forest understories or rocky areas where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, showing its hardy and adaptable nature.
Temperature
Intoxicating yam is native to tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. As a result, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It is sensitive to sudden temperature changes and prefers a stable thermal environment, so indoor temperature fluctuations should be avoided. It generally cannot tolerate cold conditions and requires warmer temperatures for growth. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
The intoxicating yam requires the most fertilizer during its active growth phase, which takes place mainly in spring, summer, and early fall. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients the soil may be missing, encouraging healthy root and stem growth and the attractive foliage that is a notable feature of this plant.
Pruning
The intoxicating yam is known for its tuberous roots and sprawling vines. To promote healthy growth and improve air circulation, prune the plant in early spring. Remove any unhealthy vines and trim up to one-third of the plant. This practice encourages quicker recovery, enhances tuber yield, and reduces the risk of pest infestations.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Dioscorea
- Family
- Dioscoreaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 10.06 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 3.96 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Nepal, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, Bhutan, Singapore, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, China
Other names.
Reader questions.
What is the botanical name of the Intoxicating Yam?
The botanical name of the Intoxicating Yam is Dioscorea hispida.
