Description
Dioscorea elephantipes is native to South Africa. Its above-ground caudex develops thick, corky, polygonal plates resembling a tortoise shell. Each growing season it produces a slender twining vine with heart-shaped leaves.
Growth cycle: a winter grower in cultivation — the vine typically appears in autumn and dies back in late spring or summer, when the caudex rests.
Available by enquiry. This is a protected South African species. Sale and transport may require provincial permits, which we confirm individually before any sale. Please use the enquiry button to ask about availability.
Plant details
| Botanical name | Dioscorea elephantipes |
|---|
| Common name | Elephant's foot, Hottentot bread |
|---|
| Propagation | Seed-grown |
|---|
| Supplied as | Established in pot |
|---|
| Photos | Representative of the batch — individual plants vary |
|---|
| Light | Bright light; protect from the harshest midday sun in summer.
|
|---|
| Watering | Water regularly while the vine is growing (autumn to spring). Keep almost dry during the summer rest — overwatering a dormant caudex is the most common cause of loss.
|
|---|
| Temperature | Avoid frost; tolerates cool winter conditions while growing.
|
|---|
| Growth cycle & dormancy | Winter grower. Dormant through the hot summer months after the vine dies back.
|
|---|
| Substrate | Free-draining mix; the caudex can sit on or above the surface.
|
|---|
Read our full Plant Care Guide →
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.