Fockea edulis is an unusual plant native to South Africa and Namibia, where the dry savannah and rocky slopes house its huge, water retaining caudex. This fat, twisted root is often lifted above the soil by collectors to give this plant the impression that it’s actually a miniature, wide-trunked tree. Semi-deciduous, this plant sheds leaves in the winter and relies on stored water for a semi-dormant period. Then, come late summer, it bursts forth with green-copper flowers. The term "caudex" refers to the enlarged, swollen, and often woody base of the plant that stores water and nutrients. This caudex is a common characteristic of many succulent and semi-succulent plants, including various species within the genus Fockea. Fockea edulis does best in filtered sun, 4 to 5 hours a day. Avoid intense afternoon sun by sheltering this plant beneath the limbs of a larger plant or placing it in the shadow of a sheer curtain. Grow outdoors in light shade or indoors in a sunny window with southern exposure. Native to arid and sub-tropical climates, Fockea edulis are drought tolerant plants. Water when the soil dries out in the summer and only infrequently during the winter. Their soil should be allowed to dry out entirely before watering thoroughly.
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