Description
Dioscorea hemicrypta is summer deciduous and is a perennial geophytic climber. In summer the leafless plant conserves energy by dropping its leaves in October, just before the onset of the summer heat. The plants are monoecious, that means the flowering sexes are found on separate plants. The stems grow in a climbing fashion. The leaves are heart-shaped. Male flowers are erect with spiny racemes. Female flowers are in spinescent, spreading spikes. Flowers are pale green and normally appear in May or June. Seed is produced in September and October.
The plant appears to have a wide tolerance of growing habitats, growing in weathered rock, on dry, stony slopes, under the protection of karroid bushes. The plant's caudex (short, thick stem) can reach heights of 3 m in ideal conditions.
Dioscorea hemicrypta will live for approx. 55 years in cultivation, if it is looked after correctly. Remember it drops its leaves in late November. Do not over-water during the summer months, as this will shorten its life span by at least half. Dioscorea hemicrypta needs a rest period. In its natural environment it rests during the hot dry summer. Dioscorea hemicrypta grows in the winter and the spring months.
Uses
Dioscorea hemicrypta is used to extract steriodal saponins which are used to produce cortisone and contraceptives. Many of the South African species have been over-harvested for testing purposes.
The beauty of Dioscorea hemicrypta lies in its beautiful above-ground caudex and heart shaped leaves. In some cases these caudexes can grow as much as 2 m in height.
Ecology
Pollination is done by bees and bumble bees. The plant is adapted to growing in areas with seasonal rainfall, by going dormant in the dry season. The above ground cordex is protected by elephantine bark while it rests.
You are bidding on a packet containing 10 Seeds of this amazing plant.
We will supply you with all the germination instructions.
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