The Dioscorea elephantipes, known as Hottentot Bread, Elephant’s Foot, or Turtleback Plant, is a succulent recognized for its unusual appearance. Its large, woody caudex gives it a distinctive, sculptural quality, making it a sought-after specimen.
Unveiling Hottentot Bread
The distinguishing feature of Dioscorea elephantipes is its caudex, a swollen, woody stem. This caudex can exceed 3 meters in circumference and nearly a meter in height, resembling an elephant’s foot or tortoise shell. It has firm, grayish-brown bark that develops deep fissures with age. Delicate, heart-shaped leaves grow on vining stems, along with small, greenish-yellow flowers.
Originating from arid regions of South Africa, Dioscorea elephantipes thrives in dry, rocky habitats. It is often found on rocky slopes, with its caudex shaded while vines reach for sunlight. The plant grows during cooler, wetter winter and spring months, entering dormancy in hot, dry summers when leaves die back. This adaptation allows the caudex to store water and nutrients, enabling survival during drought.
Caring for Hottentot Bread
Caring for Dioscorea elephantipes requires mimicking its natural habitat and understanding its unique growth cycle. The plant’s needs differ significantly between its active growth phase and dormancy. Providing the right environment ensures its longevity and health.
Light Requirements
Dioscorea elephantipes thrives in bright, indirect light indoors, ideally near a south or west-facing window with filtered sunlight. While vining foliage tolerates partial or full sun, the caudex benefits from shade. Prolonged direct exposure to intense heat can be detrimental. Outdoors, partial shade, especially during hot parts of the day, is suitable.
Watering Practices
Given its arid adaptation, Dioscorea elephantipes prefers infrequent, thorough watering. During its active growing season (winter and spring), water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot. During summer dormancy, significantly reduce or suspend watering, as requirements decrease.
Soil and Repotting
A well-draining soil mix is important for Dioscorea elephantipes, ideally a succulent or cactus blend with a high mineral component. A mix with at least 50% inorganic materials like pumice, perlite, or coarse sand ensures drainage and aeration. Repot every two to three years, or when the caudex outgrows its container, using a shallow pot with drainage holes. Do not bury the caudex; it should remain partially exposed to prevent rot.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers warm temperatures during its active growing season, ideally between 18°C and 29°C (65°F and 85°F). Prolonged exposure below 13°C (55°F) can negatively affect it. Dioscorea elephantipes adapts to typical household humidity and generally does not require high levels. In very dry indoor environments, it can benefit from slightly higher humidity, achieved by placing a water tray nearby.
Fertilization
Fertilization for Dioscorea elephantipes should be minimal and applied only during its active growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, about once a month. Over-fertilization can lead to weak, excessive growth. Cease all fertilization during dormancy.
Dormancy Care
Managing the dormancy period is important for Dioscorea elephantipes health. As the plant enters dormancy, typically in summer, its leaves will yellow and dry, and vining stems may die back. Significantly reduce watering during this time, only providing minimal amounts if the caudex shrivels slightly. Keeping the plant in a cooler, dry environment facilitates this resting phase. New growth signals the end of dormancy and resumption of regular care.
Propagation
Propagation of Dioscorea elephantipes is primarily achieved through seeds. Collect seeds from mature fruits and sow them in a well-draining, sandy potting mix. Germination can take weeks to months, and seedlings develop slowly. Propagation from stem cuttings is not a viable method due to the unique caudex.
Common Issues
Dioscorea elephantipes is generally resilient, but improper care can lead to issues. Overwatering is a problem, causing root rot, which appears as mushy or discolored roots. Ensure proper drainage and allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent this. Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally affect the plant, managed by washing or insecticidal soap. Sunburn can occur from too much direct, intense sunlight, resulting in brown or yellow patches.
The “Bread” Connection
The name “Hottentot Bread” for Dioscorea elephantipes comes from its historical use by the Khoikhoi people in Southern Africa. The large, starchy caudex traditionally served as a food source during scarcity. Its inner flesh is rich in starch.
To make it edible, the caudex required extensive processing to remove toxic compounds. This traditional preparation leached out bitter and harmful substances, making the interior safe. Despite this historical use, Dioscorea elephantipes is not safe for modern human consumption without complex processing. The plant contains saponins, toxic to people and pets, so consuming any part is strongly advised against due to potential toxicity.