Dioscorea elephantipes

[4] In this area, it is most common on rocky north & east-facing slopes, in quartz or shale based soils.

The cycle can be extremely unpredictable or erratic, but in most cases this results in a watering regime of wetter winter and spring, and a dry summer dormancy period.

[9] In nature, the caudex is usually in shade beneath thicket vegetation, and only the leafy tendrils reach up to the sunlight.

Therefore, the caudex is sensitive to prolonged exposure to heat and full sunlight, and a dappled-sun or semi-shaded position is preferable.

[10] This plant grows naturally in brush on rocky slopes, so it requires extremely well-drained soil, with a large (at least 50%) mineral component.