Colocasia sp. (Elephant Ear)
Botanical name: Colocasia sp.
Common names: Elephant Ear, Mafafa, Taro Root
Family: Araceae
Origin: Polynesia and southeastern Asia

Hardiness: 30°F










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: Colocasia sp. (Elephant Ear)
- Colocasia antiquorum ''Illustris'' (Imperial Taro)
- Colocasia esculenta ''White Lava'' (Colocasia 'White Lava')
- Colocasia esculenta ''Midnight'' (Colocasia 'Midnight')
- Colocasia esculenta 'Pharaohs Mask ™' (Colocasia Pharaohs Mask)
- Colocasia esculenta ''Mojito'' (Colocasia 'Mojito')
- Colocasia esculenta ''Maui Sunrise'' (Elephant Ear 'Maui Sunrise')
- Colocasia esculenta (Black colocasia)
- Colocasia Redemption (Redemption Elephant Ear)
Related Products: Colocasia sp. (Elephant Ear)
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
This plant is a triploid, meaning it has three times the chromosomal power of typical elephant ears, which contributes to its dramatic size and vitality. Native to South India, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, it grows up to 7 feet tall with a spread of 5 to 8 feet, creating a lush, tropical atmosphere. It thrives in moist, boggy, or even wet soils enriched with organic matter, but during winter, it requires drier conditions to prevent rot. The key to success is consistent moisture paired with good drainage, and it grows best in full sun to light shade.
In addition to its ornamental value, it is also a versatile and nutritious plant, cultivated as a root vegetable for its edible starchy corm, which has a light purple hue from phenolic pigments. The corms can be roasted, baked, or boiled, revealing a sweet, nutty flavor thanks to their natural sugars. The starch is easily digestible, making it ideal for baby food, while the leaves are rich in vitamins A and C and contain more protein than the corms.
Despite its extraordinary size, it is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a stunning and practical choice for gardeners and food enthusiasts alike.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster