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Names and Synonyms:Gerrardanthus macrorhiza, Gerrardanthus mogarhiza
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Common Names:Blob Plant, Bigfoot, Pregnant Pancake
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Family:Cucurbitaceae
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Origin:Southern Africa
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Size Label:1 Gallon
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Height:20-30'
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Width:4'-
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USDA Zones:
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Cold Tolerance:25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C
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Heat Tolerance:Very high
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Light Requirement:Partial sun to shade
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Water needs:Very drought tolerant but needs irrigation in hot dry periods. Requires excellent drainage.
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Maintenance:None
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Uses:Great in large containers. Young plants make interesting hanging basket subjects. Also good in rock, succulent and cactus gardens, especially at the back edge climbing a fence or wall or even a trellis or arbor.
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Propagation:Seeds (dioecious, so both male and female plants are needed to set seed). Seeds do not store well, so sow as soon as possible.
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Problems:Root rots from poor drainage
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Special notes:Gerrardanthus macrorhizus is a very interesting specimen plant. It is a deciduous caudiciform vine in the cucumber family that forms a very large caudex up to 40" in diameter. The caudex resembles a granite rock. The leaves are a medium dark green in an ivy-shaped form. Gerardanthus macrorhizus is dioecious, having male and female flowers on separate plants. The flowers are small orchid-like and golden yellow. It is one of the few caudiciform plants which do not need special greenhouse care and can be grown outside.
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Research Links:
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