With its intriguing ecological adaptations for survival, unusual turnip-like shape, rare growth habit and thick tuberous stem, Fockea Edulis is a remarkable succulent in the Apocynaceae family. Its common name, Hottentot Bread, is due to the milky, somewhat sweetish flavour of the edible root which is often gathered from the wild for local use. However, the plant’s latex is said to be poisonous.
Also called bergbaroe or koe in Afrikaans, this deciduous, climbing or trailing succulent can reach impressive sizes. The tuberous stem is typically large, bulbous and can store water to sustain the plant during drought. Above-ground it has thin, vining stems with light green, elongated, ovate leaves that can twine around nearby vegetation or climb rocky surfaces to utilise other plants for support. These can grow to 4 m in length.
Hottentot Bread has developed an interesting ecological best-buddy relationship with the Fockea Moth (Ancylosis Fockeella), which pollinates its small, greenish-yellow flowers exclusively.
This feature plant is easy to grow from seeds. But being dioecious, both male and female plants are needed. It prefers sun to partial shade and a fast-draining soil mix is best. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. In winter, only water now and then to prevent the tuber from shrivelling. Soon, you’ll have quite the showpiece.
Ref: worldofsucculents.com; succulentcity.com. Photo: cactuskingdom.ca
