Cephalopentandra (Cephalopentandra ecirrhosa)

Here’s an unusual caudiciform plant in the cucurbit family that originated in Kenya. A vine grows from the caudex in the spring and summer months until the summer flowering cycle starts. The pale yellow, 1.5” flowers are followed by colorful orange fruit that appear on female plants. The fruit is not edible. Cut the vines back when they start to look ragged. Cephalopentandra will go deciduous for 3-4 months in winter. Simply keep the plant warm and dry. One of the most attractive features is the large conical caudex that looks like a volcano with lava flowing. It grows quickly with the caudex adding 1-2” each year; it can reach up to 24” across once it becomes mature. It’s normal for the plant to drop its leaves when temperatures are too hot or too cool. Grow in well-drained cactus soil in a clay pot, and water only when the soil is dry.