Dioscorea and other caudiciforms!

[Stuart Estell]

I've always had a soft spot for Kedrostis africana - it has really lovely leaves and forms nice turnips too. Not sure how sensitive it is to cold though; I've tried it from seed a couple of times and got decent-sized seedlings before killing them with neglect.

[iann]

Without being an expert, caudiciforms are like most plants and not difficult if you provide the right conditions. For most true caudex plants, this is mostly warmth and getting a handle on their growing season. Generous treatment when in growth, ignore them when dormant. They tend to be tropical from areas with a very dry season and a very wet season, that's why they have a caudex. Pseudo-caudex plants may behave very differently

[lenbell]

I've got a few (self-sown) seedlings of Kedrostis africana if a few people would like to give one a go. I wouldn't expect it to be that hardy, but in winter the vine dies off, so it can be stuck under staging, etc. I aim to keep my greenhouse above 39F, but it goes lower at times, and the tuber has been fine.

[Dennis]

Maria, Tina

I will hold the two spare Cyphostemma plants back for you both. They are in 3.5 in pots both with hefty roots/caudex. Another plant I have is Mestoklema bulbosum. Again very easy to grow and will take the cold.

[Maria J]

Yes indeed Julie! You have a good memory! It is still doing fine thanks! Mind you, it's still asleep at the mo so won't know until the vine appears! Wakes up much later than my other 'ele'!

[Maria J]

Excellent! Thanks Dennis!

Will look up this (new to me) name too!

[Maria J]

Lol Wendy! Well they do say that it's the thought that counts!
(And that's about as far as it goes with me!!)