Dioscorea
-
Authority
Mori, S. A., et al. 1997. Guide to the vascular plants of central French Guiana: Part 1. Pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and monocotyledons. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 76: 1-422.
-
Family
Dioscoreaceae
-
Scientific Name
-
Description
Genus Description - A single genus in the area of our flora. Description same as the description of the family. Vines or slender lianas, the stems often smooth and green, sometimes armed but not in species of our flora, arising from fleshy-thickened rhizome or large basal tuber, these often edible. Stipule-like flange sometimes present at base of petiole. Leaves simple (sometimes 3-foliolate but not in our flora), alternate or subopposite to opposite; petiole often twisted or jointed at base; blade with 7-11 equal veins arching upward from base. Inflorescences axillary racemes or spikes, less frequently axillary panicles. Flowers small, unisexual (plants dioecious), less frequently bisexual; tepals 6, free or connate at base into short tube; stamens 6, the anthers opening by longitudinal slits; ovary inferior, 3-locular, with 2(many) ovules per locule, the placentation axile, the styles distinct or connate below. Fruits winged capsules. Seeds flattened, surrounded by a wing.