South African Caudex Plant with Water-Storing Stem and Long Vines

Fockea edulis is a tuberous plant from the Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It stores water in its thick, short stem and thickened roots to survive the dry seasons in its natural habitat.

During the dry season (winter in our region), it sheds its leaves and then survives leafless from approximately December to April in our climate. In nature, the caudex is usually subterranean and can reach a diameter of up to 60 centimeters. During each rainy season, or in our case in spring, vines up to 4 meters long grow from the caudex, which the plant uses to cling to anything it can find. In cultivation, it can be provided with a trellis or climbing frame for support.

Care

Thrives in a bright location with some direct sun. Water moderately during the growing season and keep the tuber almost dry during the dormant period when the leaves have fallen. Use well-drained, sandy soil.

If kept dry, it should even survive light frost of about -2 degrees Celsius, but we still recommend frost-free overwintering or keeping it as a houseplant. Provide climbing support for the vines. Ideal temperature 18-28 degrees Celsius during growth.