Unique African Plant with a Tortoise Shell

The existence of this extraordinary plant is limited to southern Africa where it grows in very poor, sandy soil. It is found on cliffs exposed to all weather, on rocky and dry slopes. The specific epithet refers to its resemblance to an elephant's foot.

The plant has a peculiar appearance due to the presence of a tuber that is partially buried. It is covered externally by a thick grey-brown bark that, with age, becomes deeply cracked into polygonal prominent plates.

In nature, it can reach 3 meters in diameter with a height of almost one meter from the ground and an estimated maximum weight of 365 kilograms!

From the tuber, winding stems develop that can grow up to 10 meters high with green heart-shaped leaves.

Botanical description

The tuber has very high levels of steroidal saponins of commercial value which are used for the commercial synthesis of steroids such as cortisone, pregnenolone & progesterone (birth control pills)

D. elephantipes does not grow throughout the year but limits its growth phase to about half of the year, then sheds all leaves and branches. During the subsequent dormancy period, the tuber survives the rain-free period and also does not require any care as a potted plant.

At some point, the plant begins to form new shoots again which quickly grow in size and bear many heart-shaped leaves of about 5 centimeters. With each growth phase, the tuber grows larger and lives for about 70 years in cultivation if well cared for.

Care

Different care is required during the growth period (with leaves) and during the dormancy period (tuber only):

Dormant phase: Practically no care is required. Neither water nor fertilizer. Place in semi-shade at 15-20°C and wait for new shoots.

Growing season: Water regularly and allow the substrate to dry out again after each watering. Half-dose green plant fertilizer can be applied. Tolerates full sun.

During the summer heat, this plant thrives in a slightly shaded location where it is not baked by the hot summer sun.

As autumn approaches, it is recommended to move the plant to a sunny location and increase watering. Don't forget to feed your winter-growing plants as they will really benefit from the extra nutrients. Also, remember that plants do not dry out as quickly in winter as they do in summer. At the end of the growing season (spring), the leaves begin to turn brown and at this point, the entire vine can be removed.

Soil: Cactus soil or a very sandy, mineral substrate is suitable for repotting. A pot with double the tuber diameter is suitable.

The plant is accustomed to extreme heat (over 40°C), but can also tolerate low temperatures (-4°C). Buy Dioscorea elephantipes online!