About the Elephant’s Foot (Dioscorea elephantipes)

The Elephant’s Foot is a remarkable caudiciformed plant native to the dry valleys of South Africa’s Eastern and Western Cape. Its swollen, corky caudex develops a beautifully cracked, geometric pattern resembling a tortoise shell — earning it the alternate name “Tortoise Plant.” In the wild, specimens can live for over 70 years and develop caudexes exceeding 1 metre in diameter.

From the caudex, slender twining vines emerge during the growing season, producing heart-shaped leaves that climb readily up a trellis or support. The plant enters dormancy during summer, dropping its foliage and relying on water stored in the caudex.

What You’ll Receive

An elephants foot grown on-site at Cactus Country. Appearance may vary from the image shown, each plant has a completely individual caudex pattern.

Small – 2-2.5cm diameter caudex

Medium – 7-10cm diameter caudex

Large – 10-15cm diameter caudex

Care Guide

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid harsh afternoon sun on young plants.
• Water: Water regularly during the growing season (autumn through spring) when vines and leaves are present. Reduce watering significantly when the plant enters summer dormancy and drops its leaves.
• Soil: Free-draining mix — combine equal parts coarse sand, perlite, and quality potting mix.
• Temperature: Tolerates light frost once established, but young seedlings should be protected from temperatures below 5°C.
• Growth rate: Slow. The caudex may take several years to develop its full tortoise-shell character, but the wait is well worth it.

Shipping

Shipped bare-root. Shipping is calculated automatically at checkout. For large or bulk orders, contact us at sales@cactuscountry.com.au to save on shipping.