Identification and Determination of Wild Yam Distribution in Kenya

Abstract

Yam (Gen. Dioscorea) comprise globally distributed plants, a few of which are domesticated as a food crop. Some of the wild species are also harvested for their starchy tubers and tubules or as herbals, among several communities. The wild yam species are rapidly threatened with extinction because of habitat loss. A study was carried out on the distribution of wild yams in fifteen diverse localities in Kenya with the aim of establishing the status and promoting their conservation. A questionnaire was used to determine the indigenous knowledgeable on the wild yams. Thirty one wild yam accessions, belonging to four species, namely; Dioscorea schimperiana Kunth., Dioscorea bulbifera L., Dioscorea quartiniana A. Rich. and Dioscorea dumetorum were collected and identified. The respondents in most of the localities were knowledgeable of the wild yams and their use as food or herbals. Dioscorea schimperiana Kunth was widespread, whereas D. dumetorum was only recorded in the Coastal region. In vie