Dioscorea pentaphylla L.

 

Scientific Name: Dioscorea pentaphylla L.

Family: Dioscoreaceae

Synonym: Botryosicyos pentaphyllus (L.) Hochst., Dioscorea changjiangensis F.W.Xing & Z.X.Li

Vernacular name: Chaval, Kattukizhangu, Kattunurunnakizhangu, Vellachikizhangu

Habit: Climbing herb

Habitat: Degraded deciduous forests and waste places, also in sacred groves

Distribution: Indo-Malesia and China

Flowering and Fruiting: September-December

Key identification features: Five Leaf Yam is climbing plant, with compound leaves. Tubers are irregular, usually long ovoid, transverse section white when fresh, becoming brown, roots fibrous. Leaves are alternately arranged on the twining stems. Capsule are black at maturity, long ellipsoid, thinly leathery, sparsely hairy.

Tribal Consumers: Adiya

 

Uses: Dioscorea pentaphylla is recognized in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help in treating ailments such as digestive issues and skin conditions.