Mark A. Miller
Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
COLOCASIA 'Heart of the Jungle'
Plant Common Name
Elephant Ear, Heart of the Jungle Taro, Taro
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Colocasia is a small genus of about 7 species of large-leaved tropical plants that inhabit the warm moist areas of southern Asia. The most widely grown species is Colocasia esculenta, otherwise known as elephant ear or taro, which is used worldwide as a dietary staple.
Elephant ears are usually perennial, evergreen or deciduous, and have large tuberous roots and rhizomes (underground lateral stems) that grow at or just below the ground surface. The leaves are roughly arrow-shaped and split at the base where the petiole (leaf stem) attaches. Large prominent veins mark the green or dark green leaves. Several cultivars offer more interesting leaf colors to include variegates and those with deep burgundy, purple or near black leaves and stems.
All have anthurium-like flowers that consist of a finger-like floral column (spadix) surrounded by a green and orange petal-like leaf (spathe). The female flowers are usually at the base of the spadix column and the male flowers are towards the top. The inflorescences are held on short stems that are hidden by the foliage. After pollination the columns become lined with green, white or red berry-like fruits that are moderately showy.
Colocasia are lush beautiful plants that impart a tropical feel. Grow them in partial or full shade in moist, organic-rich soil. Most tolerate moist to very wet conditions and several grow well in full sun. The large leaves of Colocasia can tatter in high wind, so it be best to plant them in moderately protected locations. The plants spread and can form dense clumps, which should be thinned regularly.
Some species are considered invasive, and there are potential health concerns regarding this plant. To learn more go to http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Colocsp.htm.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Southern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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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
Clump-Forming
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Green, Orange
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Fruit Color
White, Red, Green
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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
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Showy Bark
No
