SafePlants

Colocasia esculenta and Varieties

Colocasia esculenta, commonly known as Taro or Eddoe (specifically Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum), is a tropical plant often cultivated for its edible corms. Several varieties and cultivars are recognized, adding to the diversity of this species. It's often grown in exotic gardens, particularly in regions like the UK.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott
• Variety: Several, including Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum (Schott) F.T.Hubb. & Rehder
• Family: Araceae
• Kingdom: (Not explicitly stated, but implied as Plantae)
• Synonyms:
  • Colocasia antiquorum
  • Colocasia acris
  • Colocasia antiquorum var. aquatilis
  • Colocasia antiquorum var. esculenta
  • Colocasia antiquorum var. illustris (for Colocasia esculenta 'Illustris')
  • Colocasia antiquorum var. nymphaeifolia
  • Colocasia antiquorum var. typica
  • Colocasia esculenta var. acris

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has an erect, herbaceous growth habit, reaching up to 2 meters in height.
• The plant produces a corm (underground storage organ), which may be accessible depending on planting conditions.
• Calcium oxalate has been identified as part of its composition.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has an erect, herbaceous growth habit, reaching up to 2 meters in height.
• The plant produces a corm (underground storage organ), which may be accessible depending on planting conditions.
• Calcium oxalate has been identified as part of its composition.

Morphological Characteristics

• Erect herbaceous plant growing up to 2 meters high.
• Leaves can be pale green or purple.
• Petioles (leaf stalks) range from 30-90 cm in length.
• The variety 'Illustris' has intensified black leaf color with striking green veins.
• Grown from a large corm

Distribution and Habitat

• Tropical plant.
• Specifically, Colocasia esculenta var. aquatilis is native to the Kimberley region in Australia.
• Fragrant taro (Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum) is considered an important regional plant on Chongming Island.

Quirky Facts

• The taxonomy of edible Colocasia (Cocoyam) is described as "confusing" in scientific literature.
• The variety 'Illustris' was introduced by Agri-Starts in 2006 as a "stunning mutation".

Related Resources

• San Marcos Growers
• Plant Delights Nursery
• ResearchGate
• The Plant List
• WCSP: World Checklist of Selected Plant Families in the Catalogue of Life
• IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
• Australian Plant Name Index
• NYBG Virtual Herbarium (New York Botanical Garden)