Rootstock of perennial tubers variable in shape. Stem twining to left. Bulblets present or absent. Leaves alternate, palmately 3-foliolate; leaflets ± ovate, palmately veined, margin entire; lateral leaflets oblique. Male inflorescences of spikes or racemes arranged in panicles. Flowers solitary; bract and bracteole(s) borne on or at base of pedicel; perianth lobes connate at base; stamens 6, all fertile. Capsule reflexed, longer than wide. Seeds inserted near apex of capsule; wing pointing toward capsule base.

Most members of this section in the sense of Prain and Burkill have been transferred to Dioscorea sect. Botryosicyos. The remaining species, D. hispida, is the only Chinese Dioscorea to produce alkaloids.

About five species: mainly in Africa, also in Asia and Europe; one species in China.