Plant with caudex - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Hydnophytum provide habitats for ant colonies high up into the forest canopy, protecting them from the elements and also predators because of the spines. Ant colonies also provide nutrients to the plants by leaving wastes within the tunnels inside the caudex. Special glands lining the tunnels then absorb nutriment for the plant.

Species:

Hydnophytum formicarum

Hydnophytum moseleyanum

Hydnophytum papuanum

Growing to a height of about 4-5ft, this succulent plant is a member of the same family as Plumeria. Its swollen, often twisted trunk, is pale grey. The leaves are glossy, and club-shaped. The flowers appear almost continuously, are trumpet-shaped and range from white and bright pink to crimson, red. It exudes a highly toxic sap, which in some places is used as a poison for arrows. Adeniums are not generally grown in moist tropical gardens but are often seen as a decorative pot plants. They may also be used in rock gardens.They need full sun and a well-drained potting mixture. Exotic multi-color varieties can be grafted onto the same plant. See other exotic species of Adenium, photo gallery of exotic varieties and Thai Adeniums - milti-colored, multi-grafted.

See article about Adenium.

Leaves drought deciduous, serrate, to 2 inches, occasionally trifoliate, aromatic when crushed. Great plant for bonsai.

Curious plant with tuber is above ground level covered with layers of corky bark, resembling a caudex. Slow-growing. It is a very unusual succulent. Its main feature is a large, corky caudex that grows up to one meter in habitat, resembling an elephant foot (hence the popular name). The caudex looks as if it is segmented into geometric patterns (smaller plants look like tortoises) and looks dead but is actually a living tuber. A plant with a 18" caudex can be 75 years or older. The plant grows into a vine with attractive heart-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers. Culture is relatively easy. A greenhouse is great, but a windowsill with moderate to full sun works fine, as long as the plant is kept at 65F minimum. The vines may die back and regrow several times a year, depending on the particular plant and your region. Several plants in the same pot can go dormant in different times. Tuber contains saponins, originally cooked and eaten as a famine food by the Hottentots. Slow down water when the tuber is dormant. The plant is is dioecious (male and female flowers are produced on different plants). The 0.2 inches wide (4 mm), greenish-yellow flowers are insignificant. Seeds are the only way to reproduce. The seedlings caudex forms below ground and will grow much faster if left underground for a couple of years. Prefers filtered light, and the caudex must be kept in shade. Elephant Foot is a collectors item, but remarkably easy to grow. It will be with you for years with no effort. It is a wonderful conversation piece!

Growing directions (by Ed Sienkiewicz)

D. elephantipes doesnt send down deep roots, so plant in a shallow pot (I use clay bulb pots) about 1" larger than the diameter than the caudex. Potting soil should be very porous/loose so that there is easy drainage. Think about the area in which they grow natively. Remember that these plants are tropical DESERT plants. The soil should be very loose and drain very freely. Allow the soil to come up and slightly over the edge of the caudex 1/4"- 1/2" so that the edges are covered. Water well around the edges, being sure not to get water into the point from which the vine will grow (usually there some pieces of old vine in the growing area). Keep in a warm area and wait for the first shoots of the vine to appear. Water regularly from that point on. Use dilute (25 percent of normal) fertilizer with each watering. The plant should not be kept damp as with other tropical plants. Allow it to *almost* dry before watering again. The plant has natural dormancy period. That being said, however, my experience is that the plant will go dormant when *IT* wants to. If the vine begins to yellow and die back, limit the water and stop the fertilizer. If the vine dries up cease all water and move to a cool place for a couple of weeks. Return to a sunny area and wait for the vine to sprout again. NOTE: Many books will say that they are winter growers, because they are native to the southern hemisphere. In my experience they are opportunistic growers. I have had them grow in all seasons. I have had plants that went dormant for a couple of weeks and others who were dormant for months. Let the plant be your guide. You cannot force them to grow, and over watering will simply cause them to rot. The Dioscorea elephantipes caudex is similar to Dioscorea mexicana, but the individual "squares" are far more pointed/raised. Related species - Dioscorea macrostachya (Mexico).

This plant has ferocious spines on pale yellowish-grey succulent stems. The glaucus leaves, arranged in pairs at the spine bases, are long ovals with a smooth margin.

Raphionacme procumbens, or simply as Raphionacme, is a plant native to South Africa that grows to unusual heights. It's a caudex growing vine, and its tuberous root system helps support its impressive form. The flowers of Raphionacme are green.

For gardeners living in USDA Zone 9-11, Raphionacme is a highly attractive and unique flowering plant. It will require full sun, as well as moderate water, to achieve its vigorous growth. Because it is a vine, Gardeners should be sure to give plenty of room to allow the caudex to spread its tendrils and achieve its full potential. It may also be planted in a large pot or container, so long as the pot is brought indoors in the winter months.

Raphionacme is a stunning addition to any garden, and a great choice for those looking to plant something unique that will thrive in their climate. With the right care and attention, it can bring beauty and color for many years to come.

In regions with colder climates, Grown in USDA Zone 9-11, it is possible to grow Brachychiton bidwillii in a pot. The roots of this plant are very vulnerable to cold temperatures and should be protected during winter. When potted, select a pot big enough to hold the plant, soil and roots comfortably and use a potting mix that is comprised of two parts soil, two parts sand and one part compost. Brachychiton bidwillii should be positioned in full sun and watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry between watering. The plant should be allowed to enter a dormant period during the winter months, during which time the watering should be reduced. Prune Brachychiton bidwillii as needed to shape its size and form, but be aware that pruning too heavily may reduce the flowering potential of the plant.

Brachychiton bidwillii is a native of Australia and has small, green leaves. It's an evergreen species which can reach a height of 10-20 ft. It has reddish to crimson and vinous coloured flowers which are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds during their blooming period. The kind of flower displayed depends on the form of the plant. It can be used for Bonsai. Its trunk is covered in a brown, corky bark that is used by some aboriginals for canoes and other items. The caudex (trunk) of the plant is swollen and can store large amounts of water in its fleshy stems. This is a benefit to the plant in drought conditions.