DIOSCOREA HEMICRYPTA

This member of the Dioscoreaceae family was described by Isaac Henry Burkill in 1952. It is found in South Africa, in the Calitzdorp area, growing in well drained soil with some water and some sun I have never seen it grow on the sunny side; always in the shadows. The caudex can grow up to 50 centimetres in diameter and 1,5 meter height. The vines will reach four meters or more. The flowers are greenish. Dioscorea is named after Pedianos Dioscorides, a Greek physician if the 1st century A.D. The species name from hémi; 'half' and crypta; 'hiden'. This is a winter grower. It can both be rough or smooth. Both are real old plants. The Origin north of Oudtshoorn. Five huge plants.