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Alocasia 'Sting Ray'

Image of Alocasia 'Sting Ray'

Donna W. Moramarco

Family

Araceae

Botanical Name

Alocasia 'Sting Ray'

Plant Common Name

Alocasia, Elephant Ear

General Description

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 occasionally be borne at the leaf bases.

Lush, beautiful plants, Alocasia impart a tropical feeling wherever planted. Choose locations with part to full shade and organic, well drained soil. This elephant-ear tolerates moist conditions but not standing water. It forms dense clumps which should be thinned regularly. A cold- and wind-sensitive tropical, 'Stingray' tolerates occasional light frosts. Where not hardy it is a stunning house plant, thriving in bright to moderate shade and organic potting mix. Some Alocasia species are considered invasive in various areas.

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

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    36"-60" / 91.4cm - 152.4cm

  • Width

    36"-60" / 91.4cm - 152.4cm

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Polynesia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water, Ample Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Green

  • Fruit Color

    Red, Orange

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Bold

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Tropical, Water Gardens

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No