It may not surprise you to know, but many of the most particular plant specimens, which present strange and bizarre shapes, belong to the succulent genus. Even when we talk about the most common varieties, we are always amazed, and there are some which, due to their geometries and colours, are truly unique.
This is the case of Dioscorea elephantipes, whose name recalls the extravagant shape of the trunk. This, in fact, resembles an elephant’s foot or, again, the shell of a turtle. The leaves, then, have the features of a heart and, when the plant grows, they form a wonderful green waterfall.
Dioscorea elephantipes belongs to the family of Dioscoreaceaethe same as tamaro and tacca, and represents one of the most fascinating succulents for those who love plants with an unusual appearance.
History and origins of Dioscorea elephantipes
Dioscorea elephantipes comes from the arid regions of South Africa, where it grows spontaneously in environments characterized by long periods of drought. The natural habitat extends mainly in the Eastern and Western Cape areas, where climatic conditions have favored the development of unique survival strategies.
The scientific name contains a double homage: “Dioscorea” derives from the Greek doctor and botanist Dioscorides, while “elephantipes” literally means “elephant’s foot” in Latin. This name was attributed precisely to the characteristic appearance of the caudex, which surprisingly resembles the paw of a pachyderm.
Over time, the plant has won over botany enthusiasts from all over the world, above all due to its innate ability to adapt to extreme conditions, an aspect that has made it a truly interesting subject of study, while its peculiar beauty has transformed it into a highly sought-after specimen by collectors and lovers of rare plants.
Description of the plant
Dioscorea elephantipes is a perennial caudiciform plant that can reach considerable dimensions if grown in ideal conditions. Its very typical appearance immediately distinguishes it from any other plant species present in a collection.
The most impressive part undoubtedly remains the caudex, although the entire structure of the plant deserves some attention. During the vegetative period, it produces climbing shoots that can extend for several meters, thin and twining stems that bear bright green cord-shaped leaves, arranged alternately along the length of the climber.
It is a dioecious plant, which means that there are separate male and female specimens, a characteristic that makes it even more interesting from a botanical point of view.
The trunk of Dioscorea elephantipes: a masterpiece of nature
The woody stem of Dioscorea elephantipes represents the distinctive characteristic of the species. The caudex develops above ground and has a deeply fissured surface, divided into polygonal plates that are extraordinarily reminiscent of both the wrinkled skin of an elephant and the carapace of a giant tortoise.
The caudex is not just decorative, as it functions as a water reserve organ, allowing the plant to survive the long periods of drought typical of its original environment. As the years pass, it can reach considerable dimensions, even reaching a meter in diameter in older, well-cultivated specimens.
The growth of the caudex is slow but constant. Every year it adds new layers to the characteristic plaques, which generates an increasingly pronounced and fascinating effect. The color varies from gray-brown to beige, with shades that change depending on the age of the plant and the growing conditions.
The flowers
The flowering of Dioscorea elephantipes represents a special moment, even if the flowers are not particularly showy. They appear small and discreet, yellowish-green in colour, gathered in inflorescences that develop along the climbing shoots.
As mentioned previously, the plant is dioecious, therefore the male specimens produce different flowers from the female ones. To obtain seeds, therefore, the presence of both sexes and cross-pollination is needed. The flowers bloom during the vegetative period, which in our latitudes generally corresponds to winter.
Where to place Dioscorea elephantipes
It is a winter growing plant that can be grown outside, as long as the temperature does not drop below 5 degrees. For display, the woody stem must remain in partial shade, while the leaves can also be exposed in full light.
The ideal location includes a bright environment but protected from the most intense direct sunlight, especially in the central hours of the summer day. The caudex, in particular, risks burning if exposed to too aggressive a sun.
During the winter, when the plant is in the vegetative phase, it can also tolerate cooler temperatures, as long as prolonged frosts do not occur. In case of harsh winters, it is preferable to shelter it in a cold greenhouse or bring it to a protected environment.
Which soil to use for Dioscorea elephantipes
The substrate represents a fundamental element for the health of Dioscorea elephantipes. This plant requires extremely draining soil, which prevents any water stagnation.
The ideal mixture includes a base of good quality universal soil, lightened with draining materials such as pumice, perlite or coarse sand. The proportions may vary, but generally we recommend a percentage of draining material equal to at least 50% of the total.
The pH of the soil should be neutral or slightly acidic. It is important to avoid overly compact or clayey substrates, which would retain water excessively and could cause rotting of the caudex.
How to water Dioscorea elephantipes
Water management follows the vegetative cycle of the plant. During the winter growth period, when shoots and leaves are present, watering must be regular but moderate. Remember to wait for the soil to dry completely between waterings.
In summer, when the plant enters dormancy and loses its leaves, watering must be drastically reduced or completely suspended. Some growers even decide to keep the substrate completely dry throughout the hot season.
The quantity of water must always be calibrated: it is better to err on the side of less than too much.
Fertilization of Dioscorea elephantipes
The nutritional needs of Dioscorea elephantipes are moderate. During the vegetative period, a liquid fertilizer for succulent plants can be provided, diluted to half the dose recommended by the manufacturer. The ideal frequency involves fertilizing every 3-4 weeks. It is essential to completely suspend fertilization during the summer vegetative rest.
Pruning of Dioscorea elephantipes
Actual pruning is not necessary. The shoots dry naturally at the end of the vegetative cycle and can be removed simply by cutting them at the base, near the caudex, an operation to be carried out carefully, using clean and disinfected tools to avoid the risk of infection.
Traditional uses and cultural significance of Dioscorea elephantipes
Dioscorea elephantipes is also known by the name of “Hottentot bread” (Hottentot bread, in reference to the native populations, called precisely with the derogatory term “Hottentots” by the Dutch), a name that reveals its role in the culture of the indigenous populations of South Africa. The caudex, rich in starch, was consumed after a long preparation process necessary to remove the toxic compounds present in the plant and was mainly used in times of famine, when food resources were scarce, given the considerable effort required to make it edible.
In addition to its food use, the plant contains high concentrations of saponins, chemical compounds from which steroid substances used in medicine to promote healing are derived, which explains its harvest for medicinal purposes. Today this practice has greatly decreased, although the species remains under threat due to excessive harvesting for the horticultural trade.
