Names and Myths

Dioscorea For Dioscorides ancient Greek naturalist.

villosa Soft hairy

Natural history / Folklore

A decoction of the rhizomes was used for all forms of colic. It is useful in treating spasms of all kinds, and rheumatism. The tubers are about the size of small to medium potatoes.²⁹

Description

Graceful twisting vine with heart-shaped leaves that may be whorled near the stems base, and alternate or opposite at the distal end. Drooping clusters of greenish yellow flowers bloom in mid summer, and are followed by three winged capsules.