Colocasia sp.
Elephant Ear, Mafafa, Taro RootFamily: Araceae
Origin: Polynesia and southeastern Asia
Colocasia sp. (Elephant Ear) is a native plant to Polynesia and southeastern Asia. It is a large shrub, growing anywhere between 5 and 10 feet tall, although there are also smaller varieties as short as 2 to 5 feet in height. It prefers to grow in full sun or semi-shade, making it especially suited to bog or aquatic habitats, requiring regular watering to thrive.
The plant is known and grown primarily for its ornamental foliage, with the large elephant ear-shaped leaves providing a spectacular display. Although it is not cold hardy, the mature plant can tolerate temperatures in the low 30s Fahrenheit for a brief period of time. It is also extremely flood tolerant, being able to survive underwater for up to three months at a time.
In USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, Colocasia sp. can be grown outside with minimal effort and care. In areas with a colder climate, the plant needs to be grown in a pot and protected from freezing temperatures during winter. During the growing season, it needs plenty of sunlight and water; it is not drought tolerant, and will wilt if not properly watered. If growing the plant in a container, use an appropriate sized pot filled with potting soil, and ensure that the soil is properly drained.
Colocasia sp. (Elephant Ear) is a low maintenance plant that provides a spectacular display in the summer and is a popular choice for gardeners in warm climates. In cooler regions, it requires some extra care and attention to ensure the plant's survival during cold winter months.
Similar plants:
- Caladium praetermissum, Alocasia 'Hilo Beauty', Colocasia 'Hilo Beauty' (Camouflage Alocasia, Hilo Beauty)
- Colocasia antiquorum, Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum 'Illustris' (Imperial Taro)
- Colocasia esculenta (Black colocasia, Black Magic, Taro, Black Elephant Ear, Malanga Amarillo, Dasheen)
- Colocasia esculenta 'Maui Sunrise' (Elephant Ear 'Maui Sunrise')
- Colocasia esculenta 'Midnight' (Colocasia 'Midnight')
- Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' (Colocasia 'Mojito')
- Colocasia esculenta 'White Lava' (Colocasia 'White Lava')
- Colocasia esculenta Pharaohs Mask ™ (Colocasia Pharaohs Mask)
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
Taro is native to South India and Southeast Asia. It is primarily grown as a root vegetable for its edible starchy corm, and as a leaf vegetable. It is a food staple in African, Oceanic and South Indian cultures and is believed to have been one of the earliest cultivated plants. It is known by many local names and often referred to as "elephant ears" when grown as an ornamental plant.
The corms, which have a light purple color due to phenolic pigments, are roasted, baked or boiled, and the natural sugars give a sweet nutty flavor. The starch is easily digestible, and since the grains are fine and small it is often used for baby food. The leaves are a good source of vitamins A and C and contain more protein than the corms.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster