Dioscorea Macrostachya, Elephant's Foot or Tortoise Vine Options

[turtleman]

These are really Interesting plant's with it's tuber growing above ground and covered with layers of corky looking bark. It's a very unusual succulent. Its main feature is a large, corky caudex that grows up to one meter in habitat, resembling an elephants foot or a turtle shell (hence the popular name's). The caudex looks as if it is segmented into geometric patterns (smaller plants look like tortoises) and looks dead but is actually a living tuber. A plant with a 18" caudex can be 75 years or older, and I know that the ones I have are over that age!. The plant grows into a vine with heart-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers. Culture is relatively easy. A greenhouse is great, but a windowsill with moderate to full sun works fine, as long as the plant is kept at 40F minimum. The vines may die back and regrow several times a year, depending on the particular plant and your region. Several plants in the same pot can go dormant in different times. Tuber contains saponins, originally cooked and eaten as a famine food by the Hottentots. Slow down water when the tuber is dormant. The plant is is dioecious (male and female flowers are produced on different plants). The 0.2 inches wide (4 mm), greenish-yellow flowers are insignificant. Seeds are the only way to reproduce. The seedlings caudex forms below ground and will grow much faster if left underground for a couple of years. Prefers filtered light, and the caudex must be kept in shade. Elephant Foot is a collectors item, but remarkably easy to grow. It will be with you for years with no effort. It is a wonderful conversation piece!






Growing directions:
Dioscorea Macrostachya doesnt send down deep roots, so plant in a shallow pot about 1" larger than the diameter than the caudex. Potting soil should be very porous/loose so that there is easy drainage. Think about the area in which they grow natively. Remember that these plants are tropical DESERT plants. The soil should be very loose and drain very freely. Allow the soil to come up and slightly over the edge of the caudex 1/4"- 1/2" so that the edges are covered. Water well around the edges, being sure not to get water into the point from which the vine will grow (usually there some pieces of old vine in the growing area). Keep in a warm area and wait for the first shoots of the vine to appear. Water regularly from that point on. Use dilute (25 percent of normal) fertilizer with each watering. The plant should not be kept damp as with other tropical plants. Allow it to *almost* dry before watering again. The plant has natural dormancy period. That being said, however, my experience is that the plant will go dormant when *IT* wants to. If the vine begins to yellow and die back, limit the water and stop the fertilizer. If the vine dries up cease all water and move to a cool place for a couple of weeks. Return to a sunny area and wait for the vine to sprout again. NOTE: Many books will say that they are winter growers, because they are native to the southern hemisphere. In my experience they are opportunistic growers. I have had them grow in all seasons. I have had plants that went dormant for a couple of weeks and others who were dormant for months. Let the plant be your guide. You cannot force them to grow, and over watering will simply cause them to rot.
Very similar species to d. mexicana - Dioscorea elephantipes, Testudinaria elephantipes, Tamus elephantipes, Rhizemys elephantipes. The D. elephantipes caudex is similar to D. mexicana, but the individual "squares" are far more pointed/raised. Related species - Dioscorea macrostachya (Mexico).

If you have more information Please post it here so others will learn about these amazing plants or if you really want one just go to the shop Here

[Anne_OZ]

Oh my Turt! Is that your shell? Needs a bit of TLC I think lol.

Seriously what an odd looking plant! Wish I could order one but well
you know what strict quarantine we have over here.

When it flowers can you post a pic please
Annie

[Josiah]

Some seriously nice specimens there! How did you come about them?

The real reason for this post is actually for some advice on my own D. macrostachya. Most information I've found says these guys tend to be very shallow rooted with said roots emanating from the sides. I've got a nice 8" diameter D. macrostachya that has sent roots all the way down to the bottom of a large terra cotta pot. I bought the plant in this "too deep" container and was waiting for the first dormancy to plant it into a shallower dish. I finally got around to taking it out of its existing pot, only to find a massive, deep, rootbound clump. Has anyone else come across this seemingly atypical behavior? How hramful is it to prune the roots *way* back to fit the plant into a shallower dish? Although the shallow dishes look way better, I am ultimately more concerned with the health of the plant.

PS~ Next time I'm in AZ (I live in L.A.), I am going to buy one of your giants! Seriously! (If you still have one ;-)

[turtleman]

Welcome to the Community Josiah were glad to have you here
It's a long story how I came about these, and someday I'll sit down and write it all out. but it's all about barter and trade from one nurseryman to several others, and it all started by some Delonix Regia seeds, odd how that came around

Anyways, Once your Dioscorea goes dormant you shouldn't have a problem cutting back the root structure, just don't cut to deep into the caudex, once it breaks it's dormancy it will send out new roots and start it's growth cycle all over again. Like I said above, each plant is it's own ruler and each one has their own growth cycle. Being around 8" I'm guessing it's around 10 to 12 years old and the root system might have never died off. I've noticed that over time once one goes dormant some of the root system will die or rot off. As far as being able to explain a large root system.... I can't...... But!.. All the ones I have are in a 8" deep container thats 24 inches in diameter ,, two of them have come out of dormancy and have vines up about 5 foot.. So what we'll do is, tomorrow I'll go lift one up and check its roots.. LOL, I'll also get some additional Pictures and show the roots growing out the sides.

Are you totally sure you have a "macrostachya" formally known as "mexicana", others look the same but have different leaf and flower formation, (hence root structure) If yours continues to produce deep roots I'd suggest keeping ample room for it to establish it's root system

[Josiah]

I'm positive it is a macrostachya. The guy who sold it to me had it labeled under the now defunct Testudinaria genus and he wasn't sure of the species. I've had it for an entire growth season now and have seen its many wonders . It has the unmistakable large, heart-shaped leaves that seem to grow "backwards" from the solitary vine. Mine was able to put on nearly 30ft of growth in about two months! After that, it promptly sent out strings of those tiny purplish flowers.

The leaves started to yellow a couple of months ago and I pretty much have given it the drought treatment since then (it snuck a drink from some rain though). Once all the leaves yellowed and dried-out, I pruned the vine and moved the pot to my sheltered back porch. My plan was to repot it into something shallower, and replace the pearlite (yuck!) ammended peat (yuck!) soil it came in with something more appropriate (pumice, decomposed bark, and coir).

When I finally got around to taking it out of the pot, I was surprised to discover such a vigorous and deep root system. Additionally, there are a lot of roots emanating from the bottom, not just around the sides. I'll take a photo when I get home tonight and post it...

I'm hesitant to do anything that would slow down the growth of the plant, or worse, put it at risk for an infection. I'd gladly keep it in the ugly, deep pot if it meant the plant would be happier. By the same token, I'd like to move it into a shallower pot for aesthetics. I just love the juxtaposition of a plant having a super shallow dish, but sending out a vine 30ft long! Sounds like the best solution might be to find an attractive, yet deep pot!

[Josiah]

As promised, here is a shot showing the original pot, the deeply rooted macrostachya, and a pop-can for reference....

[turtleman]

Very Nice "healthy" Dio you have there Josiah, I to am a little surprised at the size of the root ball/system but I don't think it's to abnormal, just zealous and healthy. Most Dio's will grow out to the side's of the caudex or send roots out not down, being in a container it might have had no other choice but to send them down, roots will go the path of least resistance. I'll try to get some images like I said I would tomorrow, I'm just overwhelmed with to much going on right now and didn't get it done today .. so stay tuned!

Sounds like a good mix as far as soils go also, A good neutral PH is best (sawdust is about totally neutral) but I'd only suggest that when their dormant. We have a abundance of lave rock here in AZ (cinders) so I use allot of that in my mixes

As far as finding a container for it, and after seeing the depth/size I'd look for a nice deep tup (12 to 14" deep and 20" around), I'd guess it's going to be adding some size to it's self real soon....

And Please......... Next time use a Pepsi can

[turtleman]

Heres a couple of images from the greenhouse, I noticed today that a third is breaking dormancy, in the images you can see the roots coming from the sides, as also in the images on the main page of the site here.. Let me say right off that the containers I have are a little short and should be about 15 to 20 inches taller, sadly there the only ones I could find that were large enough around to hold these Dio's. The last two in the images have sent up some nice vines and are starting to set leafs (maybe in another week or so). I picked one up today and there is new root growth but only about 2 inches of new roots.. And of course with a Pepsi!.. LOL

[Josiah]

What an incredible collection of Dio's you've got there! Those beasts look even more impressive all lined up together! They absolutely dwarf the Pepsi can. I see what you mean about the dishes being a little too shallow, but for now, I think they look just gorgeous. I was born and raised in Flagstaff, and still have family there and in Tucson. I'm serious about buying one of these the next time I make my way to AZ!

I found a pretty nice container for my Dio today. Since mine seems to have a rather deep habit, I decided to not fight it, and give it some more depth. Here is a quick shot of the new container next to the old one. Just for variety, there is a Dr. Pepper can for reference!

[turtleman]

Just for variety, there is a Dr. Pepper can for reference!

LMAO, too funny Just don't go with the Coke-a-Cola.......... LOL

Great container, I'm willing to say that after a growth season that container will end up full of roots also.. But don't worry.. thats OK, next time it goes dormant just pick it up and trim some of the root system off stir up the soil mix so its loose and sit your Dio back on it.
I remember when I was lucky enough to get the ones I have, the vine had been cut (thats normal) and it was , of course,, "bare root".. But better said "No Root". there were basically No roots under the tuber at all, only a few along the sides. I plant mine with a small "mound" of soil mix in the center of the container, then I sit the Dio on top and twist it into the soil, that way I wont have any air pockets under the tuber then I add soil around the sides (about 1 or 2 inches up the edges). I think your always better to plant these "high" in your container and have a container that will allow 3 inches or so of space around the edge of the tuber.

You have a really healthy Dio there.. and its one that will grow for many years to come if kept right, and reading your post's.. I'm sure it will be,, It might be time to get a lawyer and have it added it to your will,, Who are you going to leave it to when you die?

[Anne_OZ]

I would be using a beer can myself!

So tell me Turt, what do these look like when the vine grows? They are so intriguing!
Annie

[turtleman]

The plant grows into a vine with heart-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers.

7 of the 8 have started to grow their new vine, when they start to put out leaf's I'll add some more pictures



And I had to just know our Aussie would stick a beer can in there.. I'd be surprised if you didn't turn it into a National Holiday!.

[Anne_OZ]

Hey Turt thats a fine idea! Might mention the National Holiday to the PM lol.
Can't wait to see the pics
Have a great Easter
Annie
xx

[CostaRica Luis]

Good Morning,

we have a coffee plantation in Costa Rica and have had "turtle plants" in our garden for a few years, they grow in the wild on the farm and some of them are up to 3 feet across and HUGE, here is a picture of one of the plants in our garden, in the background is a Huge one the look roundish because when they moved it they broke off the tips due to the weight.

They are growing at about 4000 feet, normally under shade trees, the only part you see are the vines, the "turtle" part is hidden by fallen leaves or other ground cover. They get lots of rain, but also have a dry season, but its not at all desert like. Roots are mostly around the lower edges, While they are not fast growers they grow at least 10% larger each year.


Thought you would be interested in seeing this.

Luis

 CRvarious_010_Standard_e_mail_view.jpg ( 112.92K ) Number of downloads: 19

[turtleman]

Welcome Luis, Glad to have you here

Fantastic Photo, thanks for sharing it with us. I wish I had a place in Costa Rica where they grew all around! They are certainly a tropical forest plant and are harder to grow to the size we had here in AZ.

on another note. I'm interested in the coffee you grow. Do you know that "Juan Valdez" guy?

[CostaRica Luis]

Heres a couple of images from the greenhouse, I noticed today that a third is breaking dormancy, in the images you can see the roots coming from the sides, as also in the images on the main page of the site here.. Let me say right off that the containers I have are a little short and should be about 15 to 20 inches taller, sadly there the only ones I could find that were large enough around to hold these Dio's. The last two in the images have sent up some nice vines and are starting to set leafs (maybe in another week or so). I picked one up today and there is new root growth but only about 2 inches of new roots.. And of course with a Pepsi!.. LOL

Can you post some new pictures so we can see how they are doing, I hope to be in AZ later this month and am interested in buying one.

LUis

[turtleman]

Well Spit!
Sorry to say Luis, but there all gone, in fact I don't have one left. I sent a letter off to my friend to see if I can acquire a few more but I haven't heard back from him since he went off walking around the jungle down there. I hope he's alright and hasn't been eaten by some wild animal or something.

[2ndchance]

Can these be grown outdoors in Phx? Or do I have to keep them in the greenhouse?

[turtleman]

They grow fine in Phoenix as long as you keep the tuber under shade, otherwise they will sunburn real bad here and you'll need to keep them warm in our winters, don't allow them to stay in temperatures at or under 40f... I kept ours in the shadehouse (50%)

[Westwood]

Hi all ,
im New to this forum but Turt is on a couple i am on .
So i came to check out what he has going as far as plants since he is 1 of the top 10 they suggest

this is the first time i have seen or Heard of this plant Turk can you PLEASE tell me more about it .
Climate it likes as well as care

i live in Florence Oregon and well if it wont grow here then i need about 40-50 acres for orchard , garden and 20 for my critters ,
thanks this plant takes the cake . I get the frosting Tammy

[turtleman]

Welcome Westie.. !
Sad to say, these cool tubers won't make it there (outside anyways) if you have a greenhouse or a controlled environment you could maintain one,, they like to stay on the dry side so I don't think they could handle growing moss on their back

I've been waiting on receiving another group of these so sometime in the near future (hopefully) I'll be able to get some more.

[Westwood]

Welcome Westie.. !
Sad to say, these cool tubers won't make it there (outside anyways) if you have a greenhouse or a controlled environment you could maintain one,, they like to stay on the dry side so I don't think they could handle growing moss on their back

I've been waiting on receiving another group of these so sometime in the near future (hopefully) I'll be able to get some more.

Turt My friend gave me 10 seeds i could send you 5 to try .
we have a jungle room for the parrots and my sanity
Keeps me busy with orchids Banana's some Palms i started from seed .
we are in zone 9 wish it was better im planning a move to a warmer area so i can do more.
Southern cali or ?
there are a couple of ferns and Dragon fruit Cacti " Pitaya plants "
we lost one of the parrots to Age 60 yrs old for a amazon is old so i am blessed we had him we got him as a rescue the older owner tried to keep him in the Closet
but its fun,
i thought if i could get a couple of these going it would be nice in there as a different look and make a wood carving of a turtle head LOL .
Kid the kiddies that come around .
Westie

[turtleman]

I can give the seeds a try, just mail them to us here and I'll sow them in the greenhouse, who knows if the seed is viable or not but its worth the effort..