DIOSCOREA TRIFIDA - NAPI
  
  
Common name 
Cush-cush, napi, yampee, Indian yam, cara doce, Indian yam, mapuey. 
Family 
Dioscoreaceae (Yam family).
  This is a tropical perennial vine that produces edible tubes. 
The stems have two - to eight wings per stem, serving as an external support for these stems and helping them climb. 
The sharply divided leaves are large; light to dark green. Male - and female flowers are on the same plant. The 
small winged fruits are non - edible and have a seed in each wing. 
This is a  cultivated yam species from tropical America with a very good flavor.
  
Medicinal applications 
Discorea species are the source of the phytochemicals, steroidol-sapogenins. These include 
diosgenin; of all the steroidal drugs on the market more than 90% are derived from diosgenin as a raw material and used 
in oral contraceptives. Diosgenin is much similar to the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. 
Cortisone and hydrocortisone (used for treatment of allergic reactions and for reducing of inflammation due to arthritis) 
are also derived from diosgenin.
  
Hardiness 
USDA zone 9 B - 11. 
Propagation 
Seeds, rhizomes and bulbs. 
Culture 
Full sun, sandy loam soil. Plant in frost free areas. It can also be grown as an ornamental 
in the sub - tropics. |