It is a perennial climbing plant. Leaves are glabrous, cordate, prominently veined. The stems twine left-handed and produce aerial axillary bulbils. The plant is often cultivated in tropical areas, mainly for its edible aerial bulbs, though also for its roots.

Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils are used in the treatment of Piles, dysentery, syphilis, ulcers, cough, leprosy, diabetes, asthma, and cancer.

Flowering and Fruiting: July–October