| |
Dioscorea
elephantipes, the Turtle Shell, Caudex or Hottentot Bread
plant, is native of South Africa. The caudex is the
swollen part of the trunk which serves as a water reserve.
This tuber can grow more than 80cm wide and high and the
stems can reach 2 meters high. It can be cultivated as a
bonsai.
The caudex of dioscorea elephantipes is similar to the
shell of a turtle, thus its name. As it ages, it tends to
curve in. The plant is either male or female. The flowers
it produces are insignificant. They are small, green
whitish and unscented. Long stems emerge from the center
of the caudex and tend to grow around objects. The leaves
are dark green and shaped like hearts. The plant is
unpredictable and may go in dormancy whenever it wants.
Hardiness zones 10-11 (1ºC/35ºF, 4ºC/40ºF) in winter.
Dioscorea elephantipes is not a rustic plant. It weakens
with temperatures below 5ºC. It is found in both
tropical and tempered climates, but ideal conditions
require a semi-desertic environment.
The soil for this plant must be fresh and well-drained.
Full sun can be too strong for it. Its water needs are
ordinary. Its caudex permits it to survive for a long
time without water. If the plant goes into dormancy,
considerably reduce watering. Don’t wet the caudex.
|
|
