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.