Scientific Name
Fockea multiflora K.Schum.
Common Name(s)
Elephant Vine, Python Creeper, Python Kambro, Python Vine
Synonym(s)
Fockea schinzii
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Fockeeae
Genus: Fockea
Etymology
The specific epithet "multiflora (mul-tih-FLOR-uh)" means "having many-flowers, many-flowered" and refers to the flowering habit of this species.
Origin
Fockea multiflora is native to Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Description
Fockea multiflora is a large succulent with a swollen tuberous base and branches that sprawl on the ground or twine around any available support. The caudex is grey or brown, variable in shape, and can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter. The branches can grow up to 50 feet (15 m) long. The Leaves are green and elliptic, measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 3.2 inches (8 cm) wide.
The bisexual flowers are 5-merous, yellow-green, and usually appear in summer on a many-flowered peduncle. The fruits are paired, smooth, horn-shaped, and can grow up to 9 inches (22.5 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Fockea multiflora
Light: These plants prefer partial shade. They can tolerate full sun but need a little sun protection during the hottest part of the day.
Soil: A fast-draining soil mix is the best soil for your Fockea to drain excess water.
Hardiness: Fockea multiflora can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.
Watering: During the growing season, from spring to fall, water regularly and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in the winter. Water the plant only enough to prevent the shriveling of the tuber.
Fertilizing: To force tuber growth, feed with high-nitrogen fertilizer with a lower potassium level only during the growing season.
Propagation: Fockea plants are relatively easy to grow from seeds. They are dioecious, so both male and female plants are needed to produce seeds. Vegetative propagation is difficult to impossible.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Fockea.
Toxicity of Fockea multiflora
Fockeas are known as food plants, but the tuber has milky sap, which is said to be poisonous. Avoid contact with skin or eyes, and keep away from children and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Fockea
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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