James H. Schutte
Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
Alocasia
Plant Common Name
Alocasia, Elephant Ear
General Description
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 from the rhizome, bulb or compressed stem.
Anthurium-like flowers consist of a finger-like floral column (spadix) surrounded by a white or pale green petal-like leaf (spathe). The female flowers are usually at the base of the spadix and the male flowers are towards the top. The flowers are held on short stalks, often hidden in the foliage. Red to orange berry-like fruit follows the flowers.
Alocasias are beautiful and imposing garden plants for frost-free areas, containers and greenhouses. Popular species include Alocasia macrorrhiza or giant taro, which is grown for edible (if properly prepared) rhizomes. Alocasia plumbeahas purple or dark green wavy leaves and the hybrid Alocasia X amazonica or African Mask Alocasia has very dark green leaves marked with pale green, thick veins.
Lush, beautiful plants, Alocasia impart a tropical feeling where ever planted. Choose locations with part shade to full shade and organic, well drained soil. These elephant-ear plants will tolerate moist to very wet conditions, deep shade and a few species will take full sun. They are frost and wind sensitive. The plants spread and can form dense clumps which should be thinned regularly. Some species are considered invasive in various areas. Plant Alocasia for their beautiful leaves and the tropical effects they impart.
There are potential health concerns regarding this plant. To learn more go to http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Alocasp.htm
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Wet Site
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water, Ample Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Green
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Fruit Color
Red, Orange
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Yellow, Red, Green, Purple, Blue Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Yellow, Red, Green, Purple, Blue Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Yellow, Red, Green, Purple, Blue Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Yellow, Green, Blue Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bog Garden, Container, Feature Plant, Tropical, Water Gardens
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
