Tacca - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Tacca chantrieri is a tropical understory plant native to Southeast Asia, where it grows in warm, humid forests with filtered light.

What makes Tacca chantrieri distinctive?

Tacca chantrieri forms a clump of broad, pleated green leaves arising from a short rhizome, creating a lush base close to the ground. Its flowers appear on upright stems and are instantly recognizable by their dark purple to nearly black bracts and the long, thread-like whiskers that can extend well beyond the inflorescence, giving rise to the common name "bat flower." Blooming typically occurs during warm periods under stable humidity and consistent moisture, with flowers lasting several weeks. The plant thrives in bright shade, rich well-drained soil, and high humidity, performing best with protection from direct sun and drying winds. In USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 11, Tacca chantrieri can be grown outdoors in sheltered tropical settings, while elsewhere it is best suited to greenhouse or indoor culture where warmth and humidity can be maintained. See page about Tacca.

Curious, bat-like maroon-black inflorescence both in shape and color, with wide spreading, wing-like white bracts, accompanied by long trailing filaments or "whiskers". The small black flowers are succeeded by heavy berries, corrugated olive-green leaves with oblique base. These are interesting, evergreen, perennial and herbaceous plants that grow wild in many tropical climates. They can be grown in humid, tropical greenhouses. See page about Tacca.

Tacca palmata (Palm-leaved Tacca), native to Malaysia, is a small plant that usually grows between 2-5 ft in height. This unusual looking plant requires partial shade or semi-shade, as well as regular waterings to ensure optimal growth. The flower petals are a unique combination of pale purple, green, and yellow, surrounded by a clover-like arrangement of green bracts. It is an ideal choice for Zone 10-11 as it prefers to grow at a temperature above 55F.

When growing Tacca palmata in a pot, it is essential to ensure ample drainage. During colder months, make sure to give extra protection to the plant such as placing a pot in a sheltered area or bringing it indoors to a warmer environment. Keeping a regular watering schedule and providing the adequate amount of shade and nutrition will help keep the Tacca palmata in great condition. Make sure to fertilize the soil every few weeks during the growing season and prune any dead leaves or branches. With the right care and attention, Tacca palmata will thrive in gardens and pots alike.

Rare variety of Tacca chantrieri - Green Isle. This amazing bat plant has green blossoms with long showy whiskers. It is the same species as the black bat plant but this bright green blossom is quite the spectacle. This rare plant will stop passers by in their tracks. This breath taking tropical blooms from late Spring to early Fall and like to live in a spot where it gets about 60 percent shade. This plant is a good choice as an indoor potted plant since it does well in containers and in semi shade. They like to drink a great deal of water and bask in high humidity.

Curious, bat-like inflorescence, with wide spreading, wing-like bracts, accompanied by long trailing filaments or 'whiskers'.

Tacca leontopetaloides, also known as the Green Bat Flower, thrives in shady or semi-shaded areas and requires regular or moderate amounts of water. It is native to Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands and is cultivated in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. It is a small plant, growing 2-5 ft tall, with glossy, dark green, divided leaves and an unusual, intricate, deep-purple-black flower. The flower has a yellow-green center and long, trailing bracts.

When growing Tacca leontopetaloides, it is recommended to pot the plant in soil with good drainage. During the summer, water lightly and fertilize once with a balanced liquid fertilizer mix. During the winter months, water less frequently and reduce fertilizing. If you live in a cold region, it is advisable to bring the plant indoors during cold winter months.

Tacca leontopetaloides is known for its ethnomedical properties and for its ornamental value. It has been used to treat various ailments such as fever and to relieve muscle pain.

In conclusion, Tacca leontopetaloides is a small shrub that requires minimal maintenance. It is easy to grow, in shady or semi-shaded areas, and requires regular or moderate amounts of water.

This large shrub or small tree is a useful addition to seaside gardens since it tolerates very dry conditions and strong, salty winds. It is freely branching, often sprawling, and has fleshy, pale green leaves. The small, five-lobed white flowers appear on only one side of the corolla tube, leading to another popular name, "half flower". Its oval berries float for long periods, giving widespread distribution. Scaevola likes full sun and sandy soil but tolerates other conditions. Established plants are very drought tolerant. Very salt tolerant.

It is propagated by seeds or by terminal cuttings.

The white fruit is a fleshy drupe, 10 - 15mm in diameter. Young leaves - cooked as a potherb.

For those living in cooler climates, the Scaevola aemula is easily grown in a container, where it can be moved indoors over the winter, or can be grown as a short-lived annual. In frost-free regions, it can be grown in the garden as a low-growing 2ft. or a taller, upright form reaching up to 5 ft. It does best in full sun or semi-shade, with regular water. This small plant has many intriguing features, with its eye-catching array of blue, lavender and purple flowers, making it an attractive garden choice. Not only is it pleasing to the eye, the plant will also attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. It can also be grown in USDA Zones 9-11.

When caring for Scaevola aemula in a pot, make sure to use a well-draining soil. Water regularly, ensuring that the soil is not left too wet. If growing outdoors, in cold regions, ensure to provide protection during the winter months by surrounding the pot with leaves or straw to protect it from freezing temperatures. If growing indoors, provide it as much sunlight as possible, and keep the soil lightly damp. With its intriuging flowers and long-lasting foliage, the Scaevola aemula is an excellent choice for a showy addition to the garden.