Dioscorea is a genus of over six hundred species of flowering plants in the family Dioscoreaceae. Synonyms for Dioscorea include yam, nyimo, water yam, and African yam. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world and have been utilized for centuries for their edible tubers, which are a valuable source of dietary carbohydrates. Dioscorea is a highly important crop in many African, Asian, and South American countries, where it is cultivated and consumed in a variety of traditional dishes. The use of Dioscorea extends beyond culinary applications, with certain species having medicinal properties and being utilized in traditional medicine.