Dioscorea elephantipes

Dioscorea elephantipes, commonly known as Elephant’s Foot, Turtle Shell Plant, or Hottentot Bread, is a unique and eye-catching caudiciform plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the yam family (Dioscoreaceae) and is prized for its distinctive woody caudex—a large, swollen, rough-textured base that resembles the cracked shell of a tortoise or the foot of an elephant.

From this caudex, delicate twining vines with heart-shaped leaves emerge during the plant’s growing season, typically in the cooler months (fall to spring). The foliage dies back in the summer when the plant enters dormancy, storing energy in its thick, protective base.

Slow-growing and long-lived, Dioscorea elephantipes is a favorite among succulent and bonsai collectors for its sculptural form and minimal care needs. It is often grown in pots as a conversation piece and is especially valued for its drought tolerance and unusual growth cycle.