Photo of Dioscorea mexicana by plant lust

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Dioscorea mexicana

Also Known As

  • Dioscorea macrostachya
  • Elephant's Foot
  • Mexican Yam

Plant type

perennial, vine, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 12'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Dioscorea mexicana plant details

Dioscorea mexicana is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber or vine with green foliage. In summer green flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - bright shade and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dioscorea mexicana

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber or vine
Plant family: dioscoreaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 0 IN - 3 FT - wide, 0 IN - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: green blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dioscorea mexicana

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The "Turtle Plant." Forms tortoiseshell shaped caudex. Each "scute" on the tortoise shell grows taller with age. Forest dweller that sends deciduous vines up the trees around it to compete for sunlight. Keep dry in the winter when the vines fall off, but offer regular water in well draining soil during the growing season. Protect from full sun if you live near the equator like we do!
Mexico; large caudex, long deciduous vines.
Scheidw. Formerly D. macrostachya. Native to Mexico and resembles D. elephantipes. Grows to 1m wide.

Gardening facts about Dioscorea mexicana plant

How to Grow Dioscorea mexicana

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • green
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

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