| 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]