Dioscorea alata (Purple Yam) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Dioscorea alata Family: Dioscoreaceae Genus: Dioscorea Related Herbs from the same family: Dioscorea bulbifera (Varahikand, Ratalu): The "air potato," which produces bulbils. In Ayurveda, after detoxification (shodhana), it is used as a rejuvenative (Rasayana) and for managing thyroid disorders. Dioscorea oppositifolia (China Root):  Known as Dioscorea glabra in some texts, this is t