Scientific Name
Gerrardanthus macrorhizus Harv. ex Benth. & Hook.f.
Common Name(s)
Bigfoot
Synonym(s)
Gerrardanthus macrorhiza, Gerrardanthus megarhizus, Gerrardanthus portentosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Tribe: Zanonieae
Genus: Gerrardanthus
Description
Gerrardanthus macrorhizus is a perennial climber with fleshy pumpkin-like caudex that grows up to 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter. The alternate leaves are smooth, shiny dark-green, and prominently veined. They are ivy-shaped, up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, and up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) wide. Flowers are small, orchid-like, and dark brownish-yellow in color. There are male and female plants.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Young plants make interesting hanging basket subjects. They are relatively easy to grow and develop a nice caudex rapidly, provided that they get abundant water and fertilizer in summer and a pot large enough. It is also good in rock and succulent gardens, especially at the back edge climbing a fence or wall or even a trellis or arbor.
The vine can be placed in direct sunlight, but the caudex should stay in the shade. Place Bigfoot under a shelter to keep it out of the rain and bring it inside when it starts getting too cold.
Bigfoot is one of the hardiest plants you can get. It will survive temperatures between 30 and 95 ⁰F (-2 and 35 ⁰C). Still, it will flourish at a temperature of around 80 ⁰F (25 ⁰C).
With its cucumber heritage, this plant can survive long periods in drought but can use a bit of extra water in the summer, around once a week. The only danger here is if water can't drain from the pot, resulting in the rotting of the caudex. It requires excellent drainage. As a substrate, the cactus mix will be suitable.
See more at How to Grow and Care for a Bigfoot (Gerrardanthus macrorhizus).
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal) and Swaziland.
Links
- Back to genus Gerrardanthus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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