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

A young seedling grown on-site at Cactus Country. As these are seedlings, the caudex will be small but will develop its characteristic patterning as the plant matures. Appearance may vary from the image shown.

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 info@cactuscountry.com.au to save on shipping.