Dioscorea elephantipes, commonly known as the elephant’s foot or Hottentot bread, is a deciduous climber native to the semi-arid Karoo region and other dry interior areas of South Africa. This plant is well adapted to its native rocky habitats, often found on north and east-facing slopes with quartz or shale-based soils. The most distinctive feature of Dioscorea elephantipes is its large, partially buried, tuberous stem that resembles an elephant’s foot, which can grow slowly to over 10 feet in circumference and nearly 3 feet above ground. The stem’s corky appearance provides protection against wildfires and drought. Above ground, the plant develops slender, leafy, climbing shoots. It produces inconspicuous dark-spotted, greenish-yellow flowers during the winter months.

The elephant’s foot is valued for its unique and sculptural caudex, making it a conversation piece in gardens or as a container plant. It is also recognized for its low water needs and is suitable for xeriscaping. In cultivation, it requires extremely coarse, well-drained soil and sparse watering, particularly during its summer dormancy period. While it prefers dappled sun or semi-shaded positions, it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The plant has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional qualities for garden use. However, it is slow-growing and can be susceptible to rot if overwatered or if drainage is inadequate.CC BY-SA 4.0