Photo: NoodleToo at English WikipediaPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Olifantsboontjie Plant Care
Tylosema esculentum (Burch.) A.Schreib.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its large, heart-shaped leaves that are a striking shade of deep green. Originating from the dry regions of southern Africa, Tylosema esculentum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and edible tubers, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Olifantsboontjie?
Water Olifantsboontjie every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Olifantsboontjie Native To?
What Is the Olifantsboontjie?
Olifantsboontjie (Tylosema esculentum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Tylosema genus. Olifantsboontjie is native to arid areas of southern Africa. Olifantsboontjie is also known as Marama bean, Bambara groundnut, Bauhinia bainesii.
Olifantsboontjie displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Olifantsboontjie produces showy orange-red pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Olifantsboontjie?
Tylosema esculentum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Olifantsboontjie Need?
Olifantsboontjie thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Olifantsboontjie Prefer?
Tylosema esculentum grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Olifantsboontjie prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Olifantsboontjie?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Olifantsboontjie to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Olifantsboontjie?
Feed Olifantsboontjie every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Olifantsboontjie?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Olifantsboontjie?
Olifantsboontjie can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Olifantsboontjie Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Olifantsboontjie, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Olifantsboontjie?
Olifantsboontjie is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Olifantsboontjie Need?
Olifantsboontjie grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Olifantsboontjie is native to arid areas of southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Olifantsboontjie as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Olifantsboontjie is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tylosema genus — compare its care with other Tylosema species on PlantoScan.
Tylosema is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Olifantsboontjie thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tylosema esculentum (Burch.) A.Schreib., family Fabaceae (first published in Mitt. Bot. Staatssamml. München 3: 611 (1960)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Olifantsboontjie, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: NoodleToo at English Wikipedia, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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