Family: Apocynaceae

Sub-family: Periplocoideae

Raphionacme procumbens is a perennial asclepiad with herbaceous, procumbent annual hairy stems up to about 40 cm long, arising from a swollen underground, globose rootstock (caudex or tuber), up to 15-20 cm in diameter.

This plant is commercially cultivated and in cultivation the plants are usually grown in semi shade, with the tubers wholly or (preferably) partially exposed to prevent scorching and rotting of the roots. It can be grown from seeds and cuttings. For sure I’m going to try!

Apparently the huge tuber can be used as a source of water in times if famine.

What a privilege it is to have this beautiful plant growing wild on our property.