Dioscorea elephantipes - turtle plant

Dioscorea Elephantipes, also known as a turtle plant, belongs to the family of the Yams root family (Dioscoreaceae). This plant is native to the dry regions of South Africa and is characterized by its unique morphological features, its ecological adjustments and its importance for local flora and fauna.

Morphological characteristics

Dioscorea elephantipes is a succulent plant that forms an unusual and striking root tuber that resembles the turtle turtle with a little imagination. This root bulb can reach a diameter of up to half a meter and is crossed by deep grooves and furrows that give it a characteristic appearance. The plant does not have any obvious leaves above the earth, but forms several long, tendril -like stems during the growth period, which protrude from the root bulb and are covered with heart -shaped leaves. During the flowering period, Dioscorea produces elephantipes striking, greenish-yellow flowers that are arranged in dense grapes.

Ecological adjustments

Dioscorea elephantipes is highly adapted to the dry and arid conditions of the South African dry regions. The saving root bulb serves to store water in dry periods and enable the plant to survive. In addition, the tendril -like stems of the plant enable efficient use of sunlight and minimize water loss through transpiration. These adjustments enable Dioscorea elephantipes to survive in the extreme conditions of the dry regions.

Ecological meaning

Dioscorea Elephantipes plays an important role in the ecosystem of the South African dry regions in which it occurs. It offers living space and food for a variety of animals, including insects, small mammals and reptiles that consume their flowers, fruits and seeds. In addition, this plant contributes to soil stabilization and erosion control and helps to maintain biodiversity in the dry ecosystems.

Use and cultivation

Dioscorea elephantipes is valued by some people because of their unusual and decorative root tuber and is used in landscape nurseries and succulent collections. The plant can be cultivated from seeds or by increasing the root bulb, whereby it thrives best in well -permeable soil and with little irrigation. Due to their slow growth rate, however, the cultivation of dioscorea elephantipes requires patience and care.