Dioscorea sylvatica
elephant foot - caudex
Description
Dioscorea sylvatica is a caudiciform vine native to South Africa. This plant features a large, above-ground caudex (swollen stem), which acts as a water storage organ, with thin, climbing vines. It has heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers, usually green or yellow. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during the dormant season. Dioscorea sylvatica is a slow-growing plant, but it can become quite large over time. Propagation can be done from seed or by carefully separating offsets from the caudex.
Description
Dioscorea sylvatica is a caudiciform vine native to South Africa. This plant features a large, above-ground caudex (swollen stem), which acts as a water storage organ, with thin, climbing vines. It has heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers, usually green or yellow. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during the dormant season. Dioscorea sylvatica is a slow-growing plant, but it can become quite large over time. Propagation can be done from seed or by carefully separating offsets from the caudex.