Is wild yam the same as Mexican yam ? This is a plebeian question that arises when discussing the various species of the Wild Yam plant . The short result is no , wild yam is not the same as Mexican yam . However , there are some similarities and dispute between the two that are deserving explore .
Wild yam , scientifically known as Dioscorea villosa , is a specie of yam native to North America . It is a recurrent vine that grow in woodland areas , climbing and twin around Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and other plants . The flora has heart - shape leave and produces bunch of little , greenish - yellow efflorescence . The radical of the plant life , which is the part commonly used for medicinal intention , is thick and tuberous .
On the other deal , Mexican yam plant , also cognise as Mexican wild yam , is a different specie of yam telephone Dioscorea composita . It is aboriginal to Mexico and other parts of Central America . Mexican yam is a twining vine that grows in tropical and subtropical region . It has large , glossy leaves and farm lowly , dark-green - white flowers . The beginning of Mexican yam is also thick and tuberous , similar to gaga yam plant .
While wild yam and Mexican yam share some similarities in their appearance and growth habits , they dissent in their chemical substance typography and employment . Wild yam is racy in steroidal saponin , which are compounds that have hormonal activity . These saponin have been found to have anti - inflammatory and antispasmodic dimension , making dotty yam a popular herb for excuse catamenial spasm and other gynaecological issues .
Mexican yam plant , on the other hand , does not check the same level of steroidal saponin as wild yam plant . However , it is rich in diosgenin , a compound that is used in the deduction of progesterone , a hormone involved in the catamenial oscillation and gestation . Due to its in high spirits diosgenin content , Mexican yam plant has played a key role in the development of the birth control pill and other internal secretion - based medicament .
In price of cultivation , both wild yam and Mexican yam can be grown in family gardens , although they have specific requirements . Wild yam prefers fond tone and well - drained soil , while Mexican yam thrives in full sunshine and fertile , damp soil . Both industrial plant are propagate through the planting of tubers or rootstalk .
Wild yam and Mexican yam plant are two different species of yam plant with clear-cut characteristic and America . While wild yam is have intercourse for its steroidal saponins and medicinal properties , Mexican yam plant is value for its diosgenin content and its role in hormone product . Understanding these conflict can help gardeners and herbal enthusiasts make informed option when selecting yam varieties for cultivation or medicinal role .
Caroline Bates
