Alocasia sp. (Alocasia)

Alocasia is a genus of tropical evergreen or seasonally dormant plants in the Araceae family, native mainly to tropical and subtropical Asia and extending through Malesia to Australia. Commonly known as elephant ears, they grow from thick rhizomes or corm-like stems and produce large, usually arrow-shaped, heart-shaped, or shield-shaped leaves on long upright petioles. Species range from compact plants suitable for containers to imposing specimens with leaves several feet long. The flowers are typical aroid inflorescences consisting of a spadix surrounded by a spathe, but Alocasia is cultivated primarily for its foliage. Numerous species, hybrids, and cultivars offer green, silver, nearly black, variegated, strongly veined, or unusually textured leaves.

Alocasia grows best in warm conditions with bright filtered light or partial shade and fertile, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Most species appreciate regular moisture and high humidity during active growth but are susceptible to rot if kept waterlogged. Some enter dormancy or slow their growth during cool or dry periods. Alocasia is widely grown in tropical landscapes and as a container or indoor foliage plant. Hardiness varies among species, but most are suitable outdoors in approximately USDA Zones 9b-11 and require winter protection in colder climates. All parts contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals and should not be eaten unless the particular species is traditionally prepared by appropriate methods.