Zacharius has provided details. Amorphophallus paeoniofolius (Elephant Yam).. : when the tubers are harvested in the fall he dries them for a few days in the sun. Then, using a small knife he cuts out the center bud. After storing indoors over the winter several buds will develope around the edge of the inner ring on top. In late spring he cleaves the tuber into sections with a bud near the tip of each pie section. He says you could spray the sides with a fungicide, he doesn't. Back in India he would moisten elephant dung with water and smear it on the sides. Then plant them with the tip about6-8" deep. He grows them in well draining soil, in full sun.