Flowering, Pollen Grain Germination, Fruiting, Seed Germination and Seedling Development of White Yam, Dioscorea rotundata Poir

The morphology of flowering of several cultivars of Dioscorea rotundata, Poir is described. Unisexuality and dioecism occur commonly although complete flowers have been observed occasionally. The pollen grains are sticky and cannot be dispersed by wind; small insects are probably the main agents of pollination. Pollen grain viability appears to be low. Fruit and seed set are also very low and usually not more than five viable seeds are produced on one plant. Production of hybrid plants is feasible if filled seeds are selected and germinated following the end of seed dormancy. Seedling development is described from seed germination to the establishment of several leaves on the seedling.