Tom, I don't know for sure (no recipes, either), but it's like taro - you have to boil it for hours. I can't remember where in Africa these come from, but perhaps there are some wind-swept ones. Donna, You got me to thinking. I wish I could find the exact picture on the Interwebus of the plant's trunk looking like lava poured on the rocks into which is was growing and bent by the wind. It was something like what's in the link (a Pachycormus, like a Fockea a plant raised many times for the roots, i.e. a pachycaul plant / caudiciform) minus the doggy. And the picture's thanks to Mr. Adenium himself, Mark Dimmitt. Here is a link that might be useful:

Thanks, one and all for the great information on growing this plant successfully. Here's what I can glean from the postings: It's a fairly easy plant to grow, given the right mix, fertilizers, light requirements, etc.... and, grow it deeply potted, and let the vines grow rampant, - to put on bulk and branching structure. Grow it this way until the caudex becomes the size wanted, then switch to bonsai-culture to keep the plant at the size you want. Not too difficult. Now, another question: Most of the Fockea plants that are sold, have had the caudex grown, then raised by the original growers. Can I re-bury the caudex again to let it bulk up, or is this the final size that the caudex will get? Again, thanks for the growing instructions. I'll give this plant a try. johnsonm08: Nice looking plant. Replace the soda with a beer, and now you got something! Frank

It could be the potting soil. If its too poor they tend to want to go dormant dropping yellowish leaves and or they become progressivley smaller. Cold could be a factor. A larger pot,fresh soil and outdoors when you get to the 70's(this year that might be August!) could help.

WARNING! I am the exception, not the rule!! A friend who has a nursery says I'm crazy for leaving these plants exposed. Proceed at your own risk. I've killed many to get where I am. My back yard has 3 distinct micro-climates that I use to my advantage, there's about a 5-7deg difference from one end to the other, not to mention near the house. Fockea can actually take lower than 30deg, did 19 last winter. Lost most of the vines but caudex was intact. They can even tolerate cold wet soil to the mid 20s! If the taproot reaches the bottom of the pot it will rot , heal itself and continue growing. Keeps me from doing much root pruning. I bonsai and bury frequently, doesn't seem to bother them. Biggest reason I do it is to increase the size, by doing this you can add an inch to the diameter of the plant or more in one year. Most the time I let the vines grow wild, only pruning at repotting or moving for some reason. You see them now, they look to be at least 8ft long. crispa tends to be more compact in every way, and grow a bit slower.