dioscorea elephantipes
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
- BryanW
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Re: dioscorea elephantipes
I've recently acquired some seeds from this species, should I leave sowing till autumn? or will they grow in my coolish NW facing, darkened room if I sow them now?
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- Aiko
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Re: dioscorea elephantipes
In the Succulenta seed list it is adviced to sow this species in the dark.BryanW wrote:I've recently acquired some seeds from this species, should I leave sowing till autumn? or will they grow in my coolish NW facing, darkened room if I sow them now?
I haven't tried that myself, but at the same time have had very moderate success with this species. I only have two small seedlings at this moment. Sowed those in spring one or two years ago, but have not germinated. I restarted the pots last autumn, which resulted in two seedlings. The leaves are still there, so I keep on watering.
You could sow them in spring. But now is probably a bit too late, as it gets warmer compared to late March. Probably better to wait for September. But that also depends on your sowing conditions (in a greenhouse?).
Re: dioscorea elephantipes
I've sown several dioscorea species (none of them in the dark tho) but had less than moderate success. Only d. elephantipes seed was successful, the rest gave 0 germination so I gave up.
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- BryanW
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Re: dioscorea elephantipes
I can either sow outside or inside but no real greenhouse, just a plastic covered 4 tier mini greenhouse, an LED grow-box or the darkened room (not totally dark).Aiko wrote: that also depends on your sowing conditions (in a greenhouse?).
PS seeds I have are Dioscorea testudinaria elephantipes
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Re: dioscorea elephantipes
You might try soaking seeds for a few hours before sowing - it worked for me. I've now grown 6 or 7 Dioscorea species from seed, using the 'baggie' method. Warmth seems to help.
Mike
Mike
Based in Wiltshire and growing a mix of cacti and succulents.
- BryanW
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Re: dioscorea elephantipes
Hi Mike, was there any preference to light exposure?
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Re: dioscorea elephantipes
I've had success with a few species, 3 I think, and just did my normal thing - so they were in pots that got light. The seed were probably fairly well covered with grit but I expect the light got through.
The currently accepted name is Dioscorea elephantipes. Dioscorea is a large genus including yams among numerous others, it was named after Dioscorides, an ancient Greek biologist. For many years the species with large caudexes, often with a prominent pattern of "lumps" on the surface (like elephatipes) were in a separate genus Testudinaria. This was named for their similarity to tortoises. You can legitimately use either genus name but Dioscorea is the norm these days.
Cheers
David Lambie
The currently accepted name is Dioscorea elephantipes. Dioscorea is a large genus including yams among numerous others, it was named after Dioscorides, an ancient Greek biologist. For many years the species with large caudexes, often with a prominent pattern of "lumps" on the surface (like elephatipes) were in a separate genus Testudinaria. This was named for their similarity to tortoises. You can legitimately use either genus name but Dioscorea is the norm these days.
Cheers
David Lambie
- Aiko
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Re: dioscorea elephantipes
I just need to wait 79 years before mine look like this:
- Tina
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Re: dioscorea elephantipes
Hi
I have had discorea seed germinate a year later when I reused the tray of soil, luckily I had left in the old label.
Also with my d.elephantipes seedlings I have had further germination over the last 2 or 3 years. I didn't pot individually just potted them into a large pan. They seem to lift up naturally as they grow.
I have managed to set some hybrid seed with my female d.elephantopes X d.sylvatica, which will be interesting if they germinate. I only pulled off a few d.sylvatica flowers and wiggled them at my female plants flowers so fingers crossed.
I have had discorea seed germinate a year later when I reused the tray of soil, luckily I had left in the old label.
Also with my d.elephantipes seedlings I have had further germination over the last 2 or 3 years. I didn't pot individually just potted them into a large pan. They seem to lift up naturally as they grow.
as my female plant is in a 30 cm pan that is not an option.Or put it in a big container that catches all the leaves
I have managed to set some hybrid seed with my female d.elephantopes X d.sylvatica, which will be interesting if they germinate. I only pulled off a few d.sylvatica flowers and wiggled them at my female plants flowers so fingers crossed.
Tina
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
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varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
- BryanW
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Re: dioscorea elephantipes
I'll give it a go with 50% of the seeds and try the other 50% without a bag (as per D^L)Mike wrote:You might try soaking seeds for a few hours before sowing - it worked for me. I've now grown 6 or 7 Dioscorea species from seed, using the 'baggie' method. Warmth seems to help.
Mike
Thats good to know David, it will save me having to widen the name column on my spreadsheetD^L wrote:I've had success with a few species, 3 I think, and just did my normal thing - so they were in pots that got light. The seed were probably fairly well covered with grit but I expect the light got through.
The currently accepted name is Dioscorea elephantipes.. For many years the species with large caudexes, often with a prominent pattern of "lumps" on the surface (like elephatipes) were in a separate genus Testudinaria. This was named for their similarity to tortoises. You can legitimately use either genus name but Dioscorea is the norm these days.
Enthusiastic novice with a keen interest in South African flora
A Member of; Haworthia Society - BCSS - MSG
BCSS Member 51898
A Member of; Haworthia Society - BCSS - MSG
BCSS Member 51898