Deep Dive into Dioscorea: From Seed to Seed Producer

Join Anthony Neubauer of Botanic Wonders for an in-depth look at the fascinating world of caudiciform Dioscorea. Using Dioscorea elephantipes as the primary focus, Anthony will follow the plant from germination through maturity and seed production, while exploring its native habitat, natural growth cycle, and the remarkable genetic variability that makes every seed-grown plant unique.

The presentation will also challenge some of the common myths and misinformation surrounding Dioscorea cultivation, particularly regarding watering, dormancy, and seasonal growth. Along the way, Anthony will introduce several other Dioscorea species commonly available to collectors and share practical cultivation insights for successfully growing these remarkable plants from seed to mature specimens.

Anthony Neubauer’s interest in unusual plants began through an unexpected route—the reptile world. While keeping reptiles, Anthony was given his first rare succulent, an Operculicarya decaryi, along with a copy of Philippe de Vosjoli’s Pachyforms. That introduction sparked a fascination with succulent bonsai, caudiciforms, and other unusual plants.

After quickly falling in love with Operculicarya, Anthony began searching for more and eventually found Al and Botanic Wonders. What started as a search for a few unusual plants grew into a much larger passion for collecting, growing, and learning about rare succulents and caudiciforms.

Today, Anthony is a part owner of Botanic Wonders, where he works with an extensive collection of rare and unusual plants. His interests remain rooted in the plants that first drew him into the hobby—particularly caudiciforms and species that lend themselves to bonsai-style cultivation. That fascination has expanded to include the remarkable diversity, growth habits, and cultivation of Dioscorea, the subject of today’s talk.

Refreshments

First names beginning in E, M, W and H

Plant of the Month

Cactus – Echinofossulocactus

Succulent – Dioscorea