Dioscorea elephantipes
Dioscorea Elephantipes is native to South Africa in parts of the Western and Eastern and Southern Capes. This geophytic caudiciform is well adapted to grow in hot, dry climates being able to tolerate temperatures as high as +104F and can withstand temperatures as low as 24F. They grow in a wide range of habitats including rocky slopes, weathered rocks and under the protection of bushes. This winter-growing caudiciform develops a large, woody, cracked caudex that resembles an elephant’s foot or tortoise shell, which stores water and nutrients. During the cooler months, it produces twining, vine-like stems with heart-shaped leaves, which die back in the warmer season when the plant enters dormancy. Dioscorea Elephantipes is dioecious, and the flowers are small yellow and white in color.