Fockea edulis is one of the most characterful caudiciform plants you can grow. At its centre sits a swollen, irregularly shaped caudex: grey, textured, and deeply fissured with age, it serves as the plant's water reservoir and is the main visual attraction. From the caudex grow slender, vigorous twining stems with small, glossy green leaves. The stems climb and trail readily, and can be trained around a hoop or support to keep the growth tidy. This is a plant grown primarily for its sculptural base: the older and larger the caudex, the more impressive the plant becomes. Patience is well rewarded here. OriginsFockea edulis is native to the dry savannahs, succulent scrubland, and rocky hillsides of the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, with its range extending into Namibia and Botswana. It belongs to the family Apocynaceae, and in the wild the caudex is partially or entirely buried underground, where it can reach up to 60 cm in diameter. The caudex functions as a water store, allowing the plant to survive extended drought. Soil and SubstrateFockea edulis is highly susceptible to root rot if the substrate retains moisture for too long, particularly during its winter dormancy. A gritty, fast-draining mix is essential. Our Desert Mix is a peat-free cacti and succulent substrate formulated for sharp drainage, closely replicating the dry, mineral-rich soils this species grows in naturally.
