It is native to Madagascar and to tropical Africa from Tanzania west to Guinea and south to Mozambique,[1] and it is known elsewhere as an introduced species (including in southern Florida).

[2][3][4] Dioscorea sansibarensis grows from a tuber up to 40 centimeters wide.

The vine may exceed 7 meters in length[5] and can be 3 centimeters wide.

It twines counterclockwise and can reach and grasp supporting trees before it produces its first leaf.

[2] In parts of Africa this plant is thought to have magical properties.