Dioscorea elephantipes – Elephant’s Foot (seed)

Description

Dioscorea elephantipes is a perennial geophytic climber from the Dioscoraceae family, native to South Africa. It forms a large above ground tuber that can also be raised for effect as a succulent bonsai.

Dioscorea elephantipes will live for approx. 70 years in cultivation, if it is looked after. Remember it drops its leaves in late November. Do not over-water during the summer months, as this will shorten its life span by at least half. Dioscorea elephantipes needs a rest period. In its natural environment it rests during the hot dry summer. Dioscorea elephantipes grows in the winter and the spring months (taken from www.plantzafrica.com).

Care and Cultivation of Dioscorea elephantipes

Sow Dioscorea elephantipes seeds in autumn in the southern hemisphere, keep just covered under the surface of a well drained cacti/succulent mix, keeping moist until germination. You can also cycle from moist through dry and then water again to stimulate germination. Disturbing the soil can also help. Likes a full sun or part shade position and is tolerant of extreme heat and heavy frost. Extremely drought tolerant due to the water storing capacities of the tuber.

5 seeds per packet