Dioscorea discolor
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Common Name: ornamental yam
Type: Vine
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Zone: 9 to 11
Native Range: Tropical South America
Height: 10 to 12 feet
Spread: 3 to 6 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Unknown
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Leaves: Colorful, Evergreen
Uses: Suitable as Annual

Culture

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-11 where tubers may be left in the ground year-round. In St. Louis, plant tubers in spring after last frost date and lift tubers in fall after first frost for overwintering in a cool frost-free location. Tubers may be obtained at grocery markets carrying Asian, African or Latin American produce. Grow in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Soils should not be allowed to dry out. Needs a support structure upon which to grow. Also may be grown in containers that must be overwintered indoors or as a houseplant in bright sunny indoor locations.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Native to Ecuador, Dioscorea discolor is a counterclockwise-twining ornamental tropical vine that is grown for its colorful variegated foliage. It is tuberous (same genus as edible yams) and typically grows to 10-12’ in a single season. Pointed, heart-shaped leaves are richly patterned and marbled with dark green, pale green and white with a silvery midrib above and reddish-purple beneath. Clusters of small, white, aromatic flowers in drooping axillary panicles.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Foliage vine for trellises, porches, pergolas. Container plant or houseplant. Greenhouses.

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