€79,50

🔍 Morphology
     A climbing caudiciform plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, highly prized for its enormous tuberous root, which can reach up to 1.5 m in diameter. The flattened or rounded caudex is usually partially exposed and develops a grey-green surface that becomes woodier with age. Climbing stems grow from it that can exceed 20 m in natural conditions, with tendrils that facilitate attachment. The leaves are smooth, hairless, heart-shaped and with 3–7 triangular lobes, although some can be almost entire. It produces small orange flowers and elongated fruits with winged seeds.

📍 Distribution and habitat
Native to southern Mozambique, Eswatini and eastern South Africa, where it grows in subtropical regions, among scrublands, forest edges and shrubby vegetation. It is present in the South African provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.

Familia Cucurbitaceae. On the South African Red List it is listed as Least Concern (LC), although the available assessment is old.

🌡️ Temperature
Approximate USDA zone 10b. Tolerates minimum temperatures close to 5 °C if the substrate remains dry. It is sensitive to frost and prolonged cold, so it is recommended to protect the caudex during the winter.

☀️ Lighting
Needs plenty of light to develop properly, although it appreciates some protection from the intense midday sun in summer. A bright location is recommended, with soft sun or partial shade and good ventilation. As a reference, aim for an approximate PAR DLI of 15–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹, adjusting it to the temperature and growth stage.

🌸 Flowering
Produces small flowers in orange, yellowish or greenish tones. It is a dioecious species, so male and female flowers appear on different plants. After pollination, female plants develop elongated fruits with winged seeds.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Seasonal winter dormancy. During active growth, water abundantly and let the substrate dry before watering again. When temperatures drop or it loses its leaves, significantly reduce watering. Keep the caudex protected from damp cold and avoid waterlogging, especially during dormancy.

🚀 Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Succulents NPK (Ca-Mg) 3-1-5 (4-1) is recommended, with high levels of bioavailable calcium and potassium. Apply moderately during watering, avoiding excess nitrogen and fertilization during dormancy.

This is an inimitable xerophyte cultivated in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi.

Gourmet black pot of 12× 12 cm.

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