- Dioscorea mexicana
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Mexican yam Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae (unranked): Angiosperms (unranked): Monocots Order: Dioscoreales Family: Dioscoreaceae Genus: Dioscorea Species: D. mexicana Binomial name Dioscorea mexicana Mexican yam or barbasco de placa (Dioscorea mexicana) is a species of yam in the genus Dioscorea. It ranges from the state of Veracruz in Mexico south to Panama. It is notable for its production of diosgenin, which is a precursor for the synthesis of hormones such as progesterone.[1] Russell Marker developed the extraction and manufacture of hormones from D. mexicana at Syntex.[2]
References
- ^ http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?14226
- ^ http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/ah/1978/5/1978_5_80.shtml
External links
Categories:- Dioscorea
- Flora of Central America
- Flora of Mexico
- Monocot stubs
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