€53,00

🌱 Morphology
  A slow-growing caudiciform species of extraordinary longevity, its main attraction being a large, partially aerial, globose caudex covered in polygonal plates of grayish-brown cork that resemble a tortoise shell or elephant skin. With age, the caudex progressively increases in size and can reach exceptional dimensions. From its apical zone emerge thin, climbing herbaceous stems that can exceed a meter in length. The leaves are small, alternate, heart-shaped, and green, sometimes with bluish tones. The stems curl at their ends and need a support to grow vertically. During the summer dormancy, the aerial part dries out completely, while the caudex remains alive, storing the reserves necessary for the next cycle.

🌍 Origin and family
Family Dioscoreaceae, order Dioscoreales, genus Dioscorea. Botanical species originally described as Tamus elephantipes by Charles Louis L'Héritier and later combined into the genus Dioscorea by Adolf Engler. It is endemic to South Africa, where it grows in the Cape provinces on stony terrain and dry slopes, frequently protected by shrubs. It is adapted to a climate of seasonal rains and very dry summers.

❄️ Temperature — USDA 9a
It tolerates minimum temperatures of down to approximately −2 °C under proper conditions, according to observations made in its habitat. In cultivation, it is recommended to avoid prolonged frost and to keep the substrate dry when temperatures are low. During active growth, it appreciates moderate temperatures, while the caudex can withstand summer heat if it remains protected from intense sun. 

☀️ Lighting
Bright light to partial shade. The stems and leaves need abundant light to grow compactly, but it is advisable to protect the caudex from intense direct sun, especially during the summer. A DLI PAR of 15–25 mol/m²/day is recommended, with progressive acclimatization. A bright location, with gentle morning sun and protection during the central hours, favors balanced growth.

💧 Growth cycle and irrigation
Summer dormancy. This species has an inverted cycle compared to many succulents: it grows mainly during the autumn, winter, and spring, and enters dormancy when the summer heat arrives. While the stems are growing and it retains its leaves, it should be watered deeply and the substrate allowed to dry completely before the next watering. When the aerial part turns yellow and dries up, the water supply is progressively reduced until it is suspended during dormancy. Watering is resumed when new shoots appear, without soaking the caudex excessively or keeping the roots continuously moist.

🌸 Flowering
It is a dioecious species, so there are male and female specimens. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and yellowish-green, grouped in inflorescences that appear during the growth phase. Male flowers are arranged in relatively erect clusters, while female flowers form looser and more extended inflorescences. After proper pollination, the female plants produce dry, three-winged capsules containing winged seeds. Reproduction is by seed; propagation by stem cuttings is not recommended. 

🌿 Nutrition
During active growth, it is recommended to use Desert CHOICE Succulents for its high content of assimilable calcium and an NPK in accordance with the nutritional requirements of this plant. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can stimulate disproportionate aerial growth, and suspend fertilization during summer dormancy. It is especially important to use a balanced substrate to prevent rot of the roots and caudex.

12x12 cm gourmet black pot

This is an inimitable xerophyte cultivated in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the dimensions of the plant, but this can also vary slightly because, it is a living being! Each of the Desert CITY plants has unique characteristics.

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