Araceae - Botanical Family

Xanthosoma albomarginata Mickey Mouse Taro is a show stopper! it has irregularly margined leaves which when first opening, its edges are a cream yellow, later turning white, and often swirled. Leaves are never identical most are streaked with large blotches of white on dark blue green leaves. Most notably, small cup-like pockets and a small string-like structure may form at their leaf tips. Plants usually grow with leaves held horizontally and reach 3-4 ft at full maturity.

Xanthosoma albomarginata is native to South America and can be grown in USDA Zone 8-10. It has an upright clump-forming habit and small rhizomes as well as dark-green, 2 ft leaves. New, young leaves may have white stippling and a cream-yellow margin.

Growing Xanthosoma albomarginata is fairly easy. Provide it a moist, well-drained and humus-rich soil with full to part shade. In cold regions, it is best to grow the Taro in pots and bring indoors for winter. Keep it in a spot with indirect light, although it can also usually take some direct sun. During winter, be conscious of over-watering, but also wary of drought stress during the hotter months. If necessary, apply fertilizer during the warmer months, but maintain light use. Prune and shape as needed and be sure to use sharp and clean tools to avoid infection in the wounds.

Xanthosoma albomarginata Mickey Mouse Taro is an exotic, unusual and eye-catching plant that stands out like no other Aroid. It adds an interesting and unique touch to any garden and is sure to be a conversation piece. A must-have for any avid collector, it flourishes in a shady border or a semi-shade woodland garden. With proper care and maintenance, the tree will reward with beautiful flowers and foliage.

Malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is a tropical plant that prefers full sun to semi-shade and regular watering throughout the growing season. The plant is grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8-11.

The Xanthosoma species are plants of the tropical rainforest, and although they grow under the forest canopy in their natural habitat, under cultivation they are usually sown with full exposure to sunlight. They require well-drained soils and do not tolerate overwatering. The usable parts are the tubers, which have a nutritional value comparable to the potato. A secondary use is the consumption of young leaves, similar to spinach. Leafy species of Xanthosoma not grown for tubers are called 'belembe' and 'calalous'.

There are two different types of malanga: Malanga Blanca (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), considered the true malanga, which grows on dry land, and Malanga Amarillo (Colocasia esculenta ), which grows in wet bog-like areas. Cultivars with purple stems or leaves are also variously called Blue Taro, Purple Taro, Purplestem Tannia, and Purple Elephant's Ear among others.

Malanga is known for its high calcium and iron content and has been used in traditional ethnomedical healing to reduce inflammation. This edible tropical root has a high fiber content, making it ideal for maintaining a healthy weight. The starch grains are also the smallest and most easily digested of all complex carbohydrates, making it easier for those who suffer from food allergies. Malanga flour is used as a substitute for wheat flour to make cookies, quick breads, and similar items.

Edible tubers (cormels) are formed in the soil at the base of the plant. A central large tuber (corm) is formed, with a cluster of cormels, grayish brown to black lateral tubers, around it. Malanga are about the size and shape of a regular white potato; they look a little like an overgrown gladiola bulb, with brown and somewhat hairy skin. The interior has an extremely crisp texture and can vary in color from cream, yellow, or pink.

Similar, rare and hard-to-find Xanthosoma albomarginata has beautiful variegated foliage that is mottled in white and hues of green. The tips of the leaves have a curious cupped formation.

Xanthosoma belongs to the aroid family and is a large shrub in the wild, growing between 5-10 ft tall and having very effective ornamental foliage. It is a plant native to South America, usually found in such countries as Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.

This plant requires full or semi-shade and moist soil or wetlands for growing. Because of its moisture requirements and ornamental foliage, this plant is popular among gardeners and landscapers. Especially if it is grown in the pots in cold regions, Xanthosoma needs regular watering and the soil should be kept consistently moist.

In terms of climate, it prefers a constant warm and humid environment; it is suggested a minimum temperature between 50 - 70°F which means that it can survive in USDA Zone 9-11. With that being said, Xanthosoma is perfect for bog or aquatic gardens and this plant really enjoys direct sunlight, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

In order to guarantee its successful growth, there are a couple of requirements that need to be met. Make sure that the plants are watered regularly, soil is moist and matches the alkaline pH levels of 6 to 8 and also, this plant is not very frost-tolerant and extra attention should be given if temperatures drop.

Xanthosoma is a very low-maintenance plant and it does not require a lot of fertilizer or pruning. It does, however, need to be monitored for pests, including fungal infections which can be through over-watering. Despite this, it is a very popular plant due to its ornamental foliage and low maintenance features.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Aroid Palm) is a small shrub reaching 2-5 ft tall, native to Tanzania, Zanzibar and other parts of eastern Africa. With its ornamental foliage and shiny elliptical leaves arranged in upright clusters, this resilient plant is remarkably easy to grow. It tolerates low water and low light conditions, thriving equally well in semi-shade. An excellent choice for a houseplant, it can also perform well in seaside gardens and other warm-climate outdoor settings in USDA Zones 9 11.

Zamioculcas is highly tolerant of salt, making it suitable for outdoor planters in coastal areas. It is also known for withstanding occasional neglect, including infrequent repotting. Water sparingly, as overwatering may cause lower leaves to yellow. When grown in containers, place in bright indirect light or partial shade; plants in full sun will need more frequent watering. In regions with winter frost, move pots indoors to a warm location and monitor for leaf discoloration. Fertilize lightly once or twice a year before growth starts in spring. With its glossy foliage, striking form, and ease of care, Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a standout specimen for both home and office.

Zamioculcas 'Black Dragon' is a rare and highly sought-after variety with foliage so dark it appears almost black. Young leaves emerge bright green and gradually deepen to their distinctive near-black shade as they mature. This dramatic color change, combined with the plant s naturally glossy texture, makes 'Black Dragon' a striking focal point in any collection. Its care requirements match those of the standard form, making it just as undemanding while offering an even bolder visual impact.

Zantedeschia aethiopica (Calla lily) is a herbaceous perennial plant that is evergreen in regions with adequate rainfall and temperatures, and deciduous where there is a dry season. It is commonly known as Calla lilies, but is not a true lily, belonging instead to the arum (Jack-in-the-pulpit) family. These stemless plants have flowers and leaves that rise directly from rhizomes. They typically grow in clumps up to 24-36" tall, and feature large arrowhead-shaped leaves and extremely showy flowers consisting of a yellow finger-like spadix surrounded by a bright white spathe, borne atop a leafless stalk. The plant is commercially grown as a very popular cut flower.

The calla lily is winter-hardy in USDA Zone 8-10. The plant thrives in moist soils and full sun to part shade. In colder regions, containers may be overwintered outdoors in a sheltered location, sometimes with some protection, and brought back indoors before first frost. When grown year-round in containers, the plant must be brought indoors in winter before the first frost. Overwintering containers placed near a window with bright indirect light can make attractive houseplants.

For best performance, calla lilies require moist soil and bright light. Fertilization should be done regularly, monthly during the growing season. Propagation may be accomplished by division of rhizomes in early spring or by seed. The plant reseeds freely, often with variable results, and may self-seed and become weedy in some areas. It is important to exercise caution as all parts of the plant are poisonous and may cause skin irritation. Calla lilies may also be planted in mud at the edge of ponds or water gardens.

This is an old fashioned, but very rewarding garden plant. Zantedeschia is named after Professor Zantedeschi, probably Giovanni Zantedeschi, 1773-1846, an Italian physician and botanist. The flowers are faintly scented and this attracts various crawling insects and bees which are responsible for pollinating the flowers. The spathe turns green after flowering and covers the ripening berries. It rots away when these are ripe and the succulent yellow berries attract birds, which are responsible for seed dispersal. The rhizome is large and eaten by wild pigs and porcupines and the ripe fruit enjoyed by birds. Raw plant material causes swelling of the throat because of microscopic, sharp calcium oxalate crystals. The leaves are used as a poultice and a treatment for headaches. May be used as a marginal plant along streams, or on the edge of a pond. Plant in partial shade if there is no permanent water. It can be planted as a foliage plant in deep shade under trees but will not flower well in this position. It is fast growing and likes very rich, well-drained conditions. It is an excellent cutflower and lasts a long time in water. Nowadays there are other forms of this species which will enliven an old theme. There is also an attractive form with leaves spotted white. Requires consistently moist soil.

See Zantedeschia aethiopica.