Operculicarya decaryi , usually known as Elephant Tree , originates fromMadagascarand , like most industrial plant from this island , has many unequaled and exotic characteristics . This plant is a " natural " bonsai . It quick produce a thick , rich body , and its root swell to take shape unparalleled , contorted , twisted pattern . The leafage are tiny , which work proportionally for that bonsai look . They can vary from light-green in part shade to a copper - bronze in full sun . proboscis texture can range from semi - smooth to an highly bumpy - knobbly look .

Elephant Tree is dioecious , meaning plants are either male or female blooming . Therefore , you must have a manly and female plant to bring forth seeds .

Operculicarya decaryiwas first describe in 1944 by Joseph Marie Henry Alfred Perrier de la Bâthie ( 1873 - 1958 ) , a Gallic botanist who specialize in the works of Madagascar . The specific epithet of this specie honors the plant collector Raymond Decary .

Grow and Care Elephant Tree (Operculicarya decaryi)

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The Elephant Tree is quite a vigorous plant , and because it turn in rather harsh experimental condition , it is a relatively adaptable metal money . This plant is drought tolerant and does well in full sun in most places . However , it can not tolerate freeze out conditions .

This plant does not involve an enormous amount of body of water , but it can enjoy quite a hatful of water during the growing time of year . Water a flake more regularly ifin a container . Its root will swell underneath the soil ; you will only sleep with that when you repot the plant life .

plant life will be more or less deciduous in moth-eaten wintertime but rest evergreen plant in warmer locations . Avoidwateringduring periods of sleeping .

Like most caudiciforms , this industrial plant enjoys tight - drainingpotting territory . quash peat if possible , and amend the grunge with drainage material such as pumice , expanded shale , perlite , or a similar merchandise .

Trim out interlocking or twiggy branches to keep the works neat .

Elephant Tree can be raise from cuttings or seeds .

The more virtual method of propagating this caudiciform is to break off a bit of its voluminous tuberous beginning . In about three weeks , diminutive leaves will form off the tip . The leaf are attractively complex , and it is pleasurable to watch them develop out of a root that looks like a small white potato . Do this in spring or former summer while the works wakes up from its winter quiescence . Otherwise , they may rot .

Seed - grown plants produce better - count roots that can be exposed as your plant grows . Also , seedling will dribble these traits by choosing parent plants with certain machine characteristic , like the exceedingly " bumpy " bole .

Source :   baetanical.com

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