Fockea edulis

This is a rare vining caudiciform from South Africa. It forms a large, underground tuber that can be raised as the plant ages. The tuber has little warts all over it, giving it great character. Takes more water during growing season than people expect. Very slow growing and creates a magnificent bonsai. Train the vines around a trellis. Flowers are small, fleshy, and have a lightly pleasant scent.

GROWN FOR CAUDEX. Light shade. small five-lobed flowers. Indoor.

A member of the Asclepiadaceae, F. edulis can be deciduous in winter if kept cold and dry. The plant will take regular water and fertilizer in summer. Though the name 'edulis' indicates the plant is edible (It was eaten by the native population of Southern Africa), cooking is required to rid the plant of the alkaloids which are present. [We do not sell these plants - nor any of our plants - for consumption!] But the flower is like it's from another galaxy. It's pollinated by fruit flies, so if you have a problem with fruit flies... Oh, and you need more than one plant if you want to get seeds; you need both a male and female as the flowers are dioecious. (Those science people have such wonderful words!) Now, take a sniff! (Ignore that instruction if your computer isn't equipped with latest "odoromatic" gadget!) The flowers are sweet smelling. How else do you think they're going to attract those fruit flies? :)