TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


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Alocasia macrorrhiza, Giant Taro, Giant Elephant Ear, Upright Elephant Ear, Pai. Alocasia macrorrhiza Black Stem
Alocasia macrorrhiza Black Stem

Alocasia macrorrhiza

Giant Taro, Giant Elephant Ear, Upright Elephant Ear, Pai
Family: Araceae
Origin: Tropical Asia
USDA Zone: 9-12?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapLarge shrub 5-10 ft tallSemi-shadeFull sunRegular waterOrnamental foliageWhite, off-white flowersEdible plantFragrant plantFlood tolerant plant

Alocasia macrorrhiza is similar to other large-leafed arums such as the Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Peltrandra spp., and Colocasia esculenta, often called Taro. Alocasia macrorrhiza differs from the others in having an upright stem and holding its leaves upright, and in several technical characteristics that mean a lot to the botanists. Numerous hybrids have been produced from among the various Elephant Ear species, and it's not always possible to identify particular specimens.

It produced insignificant but fragrant white flowers on a sradix enclosed in a leaf-like, yellow-green spathe.

Giant taro is cultivated throughout the tropics for its edible rhizomes and shoots.

Alocasias require continual warmth and humidity. The soil should be rich but well drained, and the plant appreciates frequent watering (daily in hot weather), especially as if grows larger. Note however, that when the plant is young and small, too much water (particularly if the weather is cold) will rot the tuber, so be careful not to overdo it.

Bright light is preferred, but it will do well in anything up to 80 percent shade. Leaves tend to grow larger in shadier positions. Full sun is usually not preferred and may discolor the leaves, although it will usually cope with a bit of full sun provided it can get enough water.


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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/alocasia_macrorrhiza.htm

Alocasia macrorrhiza Black Stem
price

Black stems and veins adorn this extraordinary form of Alocasia macrorrhiza. This very rare and unusual elephant ear is quite different from the typical. The huge thick sculpted forest green leaves with are held upright on dramatically rigid black stems. Reaching a mature height of 4-5 ft, it loves high light with only moderate shade. Black Stem Upright Elephant Ears are among the most eye catching. Beautiful on their own or planted as a back drop for your favorite blooms, these landscaping plants provide a bold, tropical effect in nearly any garden.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
This item is certified for shipping to California.
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot
8 Plants in stock
$39.95
Sale $19.95