Dioscorea Villosa Var. Floridana

Wild yam, scientifically known as Dioscorea villosa var. floridana, is a climbing vine native to the southeastern United States. This plant is characterized by its hairy stems and heart-shaped leaves that thrive in moist, shaded environments. While often mistaken for its edible relatives, wild yam contains compounds like diosgenin, which have been studied for their potential medicinal properties. It plays an important role in local ecosystems and has a long history of use by indigenous communities. Despite its ecological significance, it remains underappreciated in modern horticulture and herbal medicine.