Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
ALOCASIA plumbea 'Nigra'
Plant Common Name
Black Metallic Taro, Metallic Taro, Silver Leaf Elephant Ear
General Description
Black metallic taro is a tropical perennial native to Indonesia. The large leaves have a lustrous sheen that, to the eye, changes in color from dark green or black to a deep purple. The undersides are silver-purple with darker veins and the leaves' edges are wavy.
Black metallic taro prefers moderate shade and protection from scorching sun rays. It requires moist organic-rich soil, with enough drainage to allow fresh water to pass through. High humidity keeps the leaves from browning or scalding in direct sun or from breezes. It would make a large specimen houseplant for a large, bright room, a humid greenhouse or a focal point under the canopy of a large tropical shade tree.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Purple
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Fruit Color
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Purple, Dark Green, Bronze, Black
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Purple, Dark Green, Bronze, Black
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple, Dark Green, Bronze, Black
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Purple, Dark Green, Bronze, Black
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Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
No
