Gerrardanthus macrorhizus

Gerrardanthus macrorhiza, Gerrardanthus mogarhiza

Blob Plant, Bigfoot, Pregnant Pancake

Cucurbitaceae

Southern Africa

1 Gallon

20-30'

4'-

Zone 9b, Zone 10a, Zone 10b, Zone 11a

25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C

Very high

Partial sun to shade

Very drought tolerant but needs irrigation in hot dry periods. Requires excellent drainage.

None

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.

Seeds (dioecious, so both male and female plants are needed to set seed). Seeds do not store well, so sow as soon as possible.

Root rots from poor drainage

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.