Dioscorea Mexicana

Dioscorea mexicana is native to tropical and subtropical regions from Mexico through Central America. Often called the Mexican Tortoise Plant, its caudex is rounder and smoother than the geometrically ridged D. elephantipes, though it shares the family's characteristic swollen storage organ. Unlike its African relative, it is a summer grower, producing twining stems with heart-shaped to three-lobed leaves during warm months and going dormant in winter. Growth is somewhat faster than D. elephantipes, with reasonable caudex development over time. During the growing season (spring through autumn), it appreciates full sun to bright partial shade and generous watering. Winter dormancy calls for near-complete drought. It is less cold-hardy than the African species, preferring temperatures above 10°C. While less dramatically patterned than its African cousin, its round, charming caudex and summer-growing nature make it a popular and manageable choice.

−