-
Names and Synonyms:Gerrardanthus macrorhiza, Gerrardanthus mogarhiza
-
Common Names:Blob Plant, Bigfoot, Pregnant Pancake
-
Family:Cucurbitaceae
-
Origin:Southern Africa
-
Size Label:1 Gallon
-
Height:20-30'
-
Width:4'-
-
Cold Tolerance:25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C
-
Heat Tolerance:Very high
-
Light Requirement:Partial sun to shade
-
Water needs:Very drought tolerant but needs irrigation in hot dry periods. Requires excellent drainage.
-
Maintenance:None
-
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.
-
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.
-
Problems:Root rots from poor drainage
-
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.
-
Research Links:
-
-
