(Alocasia, Elephant Ear)

Alocasia is a genus of about 70 huge-leaved species of tropical plants native to the warm, moist areas of southern Asia. They are usually perennial evergreens and have large rhizomes (underground lateral stems) or bulbs. The leaves are roughly oval with lobes at the base. Some are arrow-shaped and all have the petiole (leaf stem) attached inside the leaf edge. Large, prominent, variously colored veins often decorate the leaves. The leaves top long, variously-hued petioles which grow directly...

(Alocasia, Elephant Ear)

Named for the shape of its striking leaves, this large evergreen perennial makes a conversation piece for garden or greenhouse. Its slowly creeping underground rhizomes produce erect clumps of long-stalked leaves that have two broad, wing-like lobes and a terminal tail-like appendage, the whole resembling a stingray. The shiny, leather, ruffled leaves are rich green with paler undersides. Inconspicuous greenish blossoms with a central finger-like spadix and a clasping petal-like bract (spathe) may...

(Giant Caladium)

Giant caladium is a tropical perennial native to Malaysia and Borneo. It has large polished and glossy dark coppery, reflexed leaves with raised midribs borne on short to long petioles as dictated by temperature, soil fertility and moisture. Leaf undersides are an alluring coppery red-purple. During the growing season purple spathe flowers do appear but are generally overshadowed by foliage.

Giant caladium grows best in full to moderate shade protected from scorching midday and afternoon sun...

(Dwarf Elephant Ear, Dwarf Taro)

Dwarf elephant ear is a tropical perennial that is native to Burma (Myanmar). It offers compact, but formidable, clumps of large bright green leaves that have prominent veins and wavy edges. White flowers may also appear during the height of the growing season but are usually hidden by the foliage. Dwarf elephant ear prefers full to part shade, moist, organic-rich soil and must be fertilized regularly during the growing season. In tropical climates, use as a bold summer accent plant for shaded beds....

(Purpleleaf Elephant Ear, Purpleleaf Taro)

Lush, beautiful plants, Alocasia impart a tropical feeling wherever planted. Choose locations with part to full shade and organic, well drained soil.

There are potential health concerns regarding this plant. To learn more go to http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Alocasp.htm

(Giant Elephant Ear)

Unusual upright leaves mark this tender evergreen perennial from Indonesia and New Guinea. Its slowly creeping underground rhizomes send forth short fleshy trunk-like stems. Each "trunk" bears several narrow, lance-shaped, long-stalked leaves with distinctively scalloped margins. The stiff, waxy, dark green leaves have burgundy-purple undersides and purple-mottled stems. Inconspicuous greenish blossoms with a central finger-like spadix and a clasping petal-like bract (spathe) are sometimes borne...

(Giant Elephant Ear)

This large herbaceous plant with huge upright leaves says "tropical" in any landscape. The giant taro is native to a vast area of Asia: Sri Lanka and India through Southeast Asia into the islands of Indonesia. It can reach impressive size in both well-draining clay and loams, but also in sand if rich in organic matter. Unlike other taros, this species will form a thickened trunk that can reach 3-6 ft/1-1.5m. Leaves are the crowning jewel of the plant with immense size and being held on long stems....

(Giant Elephant Ear)

The thick yellow stems that angle upward from the underground rhizome contrast the satiny green of the large leaves magnificently on cultivar 'Lutea'. The yellow giant taro or giant elephant ear is native to a vast area of Asia: Sri Lanka and India through Southeast Asia into Indonesia. It can reach impressive size in warm, moist, well-drained clays and loams, but also in sand if enriched with lots of organic matter.

Leaves are the crowning jewel of the plant with immense size and being held...

(Giant Elephant Ear, Variegated Giant Elephant Ear)

No two leaf color patterns are alike on the variegated giant elephant ear. With origins in a wide-spreading tropical region from Sri Lanka and India through Southeast Asia into Indonesia, it grows best in warm soils and high humidity. Cultivar 'Variegata' can reach impressive size in warm, moist, well-drained clays and loams, but also in sand if enriched with lots of organic matter. It tends to be slower growing that other green-leaved selections, and seemingly more intolerant of cool weather. Heat...

(Elephant Ear, Taro)

Green-velvet taro is a tropical perennial native to the Philippines. Waxy (yet velvety) green, streamlined, arrowhead-shaped leaves have gently waving edges and creamy white veins. During the growing season flowers with a spathe (hooded cloak) and spadix (finger-like cone) may appear but is usually overpowered by the foliage.

Grow green-velvet taro in full to moderate shade, or bright diffused light with protection from scorching sun rays. It requires warm, moist, organic-rich soil with good...