The legendary Dioscorea elephantipes was one of the first African caudiciforms to appear in western cultivation, after nineteenth century expeditions in South Africa brazenly harvested enormous specimens from their habitat for display in European botanic gardens. The species is still perennially in demand but is now thankfully well represented as seed-grown plants, with many collectors following history by choosing it as their first caudex. These have a short dormancy period, usually at the end of summer, and wake again when temperatures cool in the fall. They rarely keep the same schedule twice, but grow well through big temperature swings and are forgiving of most mistakes. Our plants are seedlings from controlled pollination between two parents with unusually deep fissures. In our experience the species does best with the caudex partly buried in its youth and allowed to rise on its own. They grow quickly when given space and some growers even manage them as garden plants in harsher parts of California, though careful placement and fast drainage become essential. As a potted plant we've found them surprisingly adaptable to various light exposures and temperature ranges, provided they're acclimated and watered accordingly.
