Elephant's Foot
Dioscorea elephantipes
Also known as
Turtle Back, Olifantsvoet (Afr.), Tortoise plant
Photo by Helen_Allsebrook (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Tender
9a-11b
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 1m |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Elephant's Foot
Elephant's Foot Overview
The beauty of Dioscorea elephantipes lies in its beautiful above-ground caudex (stem). In some cases these caudexes can grow as much as 3 m in height and are divided into angled, corrugated fissures. Importantly, it is deciduous and loses its leaves in the summer. At this time it goes through a dry dormancy period where it should receive very little water, once new growth sprouts watering can begin again. This plant may sometimes be referred to as "Hottentot", an offensive term that was historically used to refer to the Khoikhoi, a member of a group of indigenous peoples of South Africa and Namibia. We do not support the usage of such a term. ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, Western Cape.
Common problems with Elephant's Foot
Susceptible to aphids when grown under glass or indoors.
How to harvest Elephant's Foot
Generally not harvested
How to propagate Elephant's Foot
Seed
Seeds are winged and should be sown in flat seed pans in autumn. Cover with a sowing medium not deeper than 4-5 cm. Use sandy loam with very well-rotted compost, move to a sunny location.
Cuttings
Propagate from seed, by division or cuttings of an old tuber.
Division
Tubers
Special features of Elephant's Foot
Pot plant
Plant in a large pot with extremely coarse, well-drained soil, and water sparsely.
Drought resistant
Can go long periods without water.
Indoor plant
Keep indoors in areas with high rainfall - this one prefer dry areas!
Other uses of Elephant's Foot
Grown for their decorative leaves.