Dioscorea elephantipes - 5 seeds

Dioscorea elephantipes, also known as elephant foot, is a perennial climbing plant native to South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. It is characterized by its thick, semi-buried tuber with deep fissures, giving it a unique appearance similar to elephant skin. This fleshy stem can reach up to a meter in diameter, making it the main feature that makes this plant so exotic and striking.

Its leaves are large, heart-shaped, and dark green in color. The plant loses its leaves during the dry season, adapting to arid environments. The flowers are small, subtle, and either white or cream, grouped in clusters, but they are not as prominent as the tuber.

Dioscorea elephantipes is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its uniqueness, though it is not edible. It prefers well-drained soils and indirect light exposure, as it does not tolerate excess moisture or cold. It is a resilient, slow-growing plant, ideal for exotic gardens.