The Turtleback or Elephants Foot Plant (Dioscorea elephantipes)
• It has a swollen trunk that resembles a turtle’s back or elephant’s foot.
• The base of the trunk can become massive with age - spreads to a metre or more across.
• There is quite a contrast between the lush green foliage and the misshapen scarred looking trunk base.
• It does all of it is growing through the winter then dies back in summer – so it takes a rest during the hot dry summer.
• It can live for up to 70 years in cultivation
• Grow outside in morning sun. Protect from frost.
• Native to Southern Africa
The Brain Cactus (Mammilaria elongata Cistata)
• Slow growing succulent
• Will reach 10-15 cm across in 5-10 years
• Grow it in a cacti or succulent mix only
• Grow it in a pot indoors in a sunny position. Perfect window sill plant
• Must be kept out of the rain
• Low maintenance and dry tolerant. Water when dry in summer and not in winter.
• Not known to flower
• Plants may be kept in small pots for many years
Pitcher Plants or Monkey Cups - Nepenthes
• Tropical and subtropical Insect eating plants. They produce amazing insect catching traps on the end of each leaf tip.
• They use pretty colours, sugary nectar and sweet scents to lure their pray.
• Many nepenthes can be grown as indoor plants on sunny window sills. In warmer climates they can make suitable patio plants year round.
• In dry climates humidity can be provided by frequent spraying with pure water.
• They appreciate frequent watering and the soil should never be allowed to become dry.
• In the wild they supplement their diet with insect prey
• Growers prefer to feed insects to the pitchers by hand, but they can be given artificial fertilizers.
• Depending on the species individual pitchers may last anywhere from 3-6 months. Don’t trim them off until they are completely brown.
• Monkeys have been seen drinking rainwater from these cups, hence the common name.
The Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)
• Grow it as an indoor plant in cooler climates for is curiosity value.
• It’s native to South and Central America. Warning it’s a serious weed in warmer areas!
• The leaves fold inward and droop when you touch it. Then they re-open after a couple of minutes.
• It’s believed that the plant uses this ability to defend itself from predators – either to scare or shake off harmful insects.
Toad plant (Huernia histrix)
• A spiky succulent to 15 cm tall
• Unusual maroon-tan coloured flowers
• The flowers stink like rotten meat to attract pollinators
• Dry tolerant plant perfect for pots.
• Native to South Africa
• Grow them in bright shade in a greenhouse or in warm climates they can be grown outdoors in the shade.
• Keep plants dry in winter
