Weed Seed - Chinese Yam (Dioscorea polystachya)

Invasive Plant - Chinese Yam (Dioscorea polystachya)

Family

Dioscoreaceae

Synonyms

Dioscorea batatas

Distribution in Canada

Not known to occur in Canada.

Duration of life cycle

Perennial

Seed/Fruit type

True seed, although plants can produce vegetative "bulbils"

Seed identification features

Size

• length: 8.0–15.0 mm
• width: 7.0–10.0 mm
• thickness: 0.1 mm

Shape

• in outline: intact seed with wing is oblong (straight sides with rounded ends)

Surface texture

• smooth, fibrous

Colour

• light yellow around edges, becoming yellow towards centre
• central seed area is grey

Other structures

• seeds typically have a large papery wing that is torn or removed during processing

Similar species

No similar species

Photos