Contents
Description
Dioscorea Elephantipes, commonly known as the Elephant Foot Yam, is a fascinating plant species native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae, which includes over 600 species of yams and other tuberous plants. This plant species is known for its unique appearance and interesting growth habits.The Elephant Foot Yam produces a large, fleshy, tuberous stem that resembles an elephant foot. It can grow up to 1 meter in diameter and weigh over 20 kilograms. The stem is covered with a thick, corky bark that protects it from damage and dehydration. The plant also produces several long, twining stems that can reach up to 3 meters in length. These stems produce clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers and large, heart-shaped leaves.The Elephant Foot Yam is a perennial plant that can live for several years. It is an important food crop in many parts of Africa and Asia, where its tubers are used in traditional dishes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Dioscoreales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Dioscorea |
Appearance
The Elephant Foot Yam is a large, tuberous plant with a unique appearance. Its stem can grow up to 1 meter in diameter and resembles an elephant foot. The stem is covered with a thick, corky bark that protects it from damage and dehydration. The plant also produces several long, twining stems that can reach up to 3 meters in length. These stems produce clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers and large, heart-shaped leaves.
Care Guide
The Elephant Foot Yam is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: The Elephant Foot Yam prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Water your plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The Elephant Foot Yam prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can also grow in sandy or clay soils.- Sunlight: The Elephant Foot Yam prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: The Elephant Foot Yam is a tender plant that is only hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It is best grown as a houseplant in colder climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Elephant Foot Yam is generally a disease-free plant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It can also attract mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. To prevent these pests, keep your plant clean and dry, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
Habitat
The Elephant Foot Yam is native to South Africa, where it grows in dry, rocky habitats. It is also cultivated in many parts of Africa and Asia as a food crop.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Elephant Foot Yam be grown outdoors?
A: The Elephant Foot Yam is a tender plant that is only hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It is best grown as a houseplant in colder climates.
Q: How often should I water my Elephant Foot Yam?
A: Water your Elephant Foot Yam regularly, but be careful not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist.
Q: Can I propagate my Elephant Foot Yam from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate your Elephant Foot Yam from stem cuttings. Simply cut a piece of stem with several leaves and plant it in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting should root within a few weeks.
Q: Is the Elephant Foot Yam poisonous?
A: No, the Elephant Foot Yam is not poisonous. Its tubers are an important food crop in many parts of Africa and Asia.
Related Plants
– Dioscorea Bulbifera (Air Potato)- Dioscorea Opposita (Chinese Yam)- Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam)
References
– The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Published on the Internet; http://www.theplantlist.org/- Missouri Botanical Garden (2021). Dioscorea Elephantipes. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b668- Royal Horticultural Society (2021). Dioscorea Elephantipes. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11307/Dioscorea-elephantipes/Details
