The term “dick fingers” often piques curiosity, leading many to discover Dioscorea elephantipes, widely recognized as the Elephant’s Foot plant. This specimen stands out due to its distinctive caudex, a swollen, woody base that stores water. Its unusual appearance sparks interest.
Unveiling the Elephant’s Foot Plant
Scientifically known as Dioscorea elephantipes, it is commonly called Elephant’s Foot, Hottentot Bread, or Tortoise Plant. These names describe its prominent feature: a large, partially exposed caudex that develops deep fissures and polygonal corky plates, resembling an elephant’s foot or tortoise shell. This caudex stores water and nutrients, allowing the plant to endure arid conditions.
This succulent is native to the dry, rocky inland regions of South Africa. It thrives on stony slopes and weathered rock, often protected by surrounding bushes. From its caudex, deciduous vining growth emerges, producing heart-shaped leaves that can extend several feet.
Essential Care for Your Caudex Plant
Care for Dioscorea elephantipes reflects its arid adaptations. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate partial shade. It requires a well-draining, gritty soil mix, such as sandy loam, perlite, and coarse sand, to prevent water retention around its roots.
Watering varies between active growth and dormancy. During active growth (winter/spring), water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. When dormant (summer), reduce or withhold watering entirely until new growth appears. This plant prefers warm temperatures (65-85°F) and tolerates average indoor humidity well. Shallow, wide pots with ample drainage are suitable for its caudex and root system.
Growth Cycle and Unique Traits
It has a distinct growth cycle, growing during cooler, wetter months (winter/spring) and entering dormancy in hot, dry summer. During dormancy, its deciduous vine dies back completely, a normal part of its life cycle that conserves energy within the caudex. New vining growth emerges from the caudex at the start of the next active season.
These annual vines can reach up to 2 meters and can be trained to climb or trail. Dioscorea elephantipes is known for its longevity, with some cultivated specimens living for 70 years or more. The caudex grows slowly, developing its characteristic fissured appearance over many years. While it produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers, these are not its primary ornamental feature.