SafePlants

Colocasia

The genus Colocasia, commonly known as Taro or Elephant Ears, comprises several fascinating plants with both ornamental and practical uses.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the plant grows from a tuber or corm. These underground structures may be accessible to pets that dig.
• The plants are typically grown in moist areas, potentially leading to increased exposure to water sources for pets.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the plant grows from a tuber or corm. These underground structures may be accessible to children that dig.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Colocasia
• Family: Araceae (Arum Family)
• Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)

Nomenclature

• Colocasia esculenta is also known as Taro or Dasheen.
• Synonyms include:
  • Colocasia antiquorum var. esculenta Schott
  • Caladium esculentum Hort.
• Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum (Schott) F.T. Hubb.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to southeastern Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.
• Natural habitat includes swamps and other moist locations.
• Widely cultivated in tropical regions.
• Non-native to Florida, introduced around 1910 for agricultural purposes.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Herbaceous perennial, often cultivated as an annual.
• Grows from a large corm.
• Can reach up to 1.5 to 2 meters in height.
• Some forms can grow to about 4 feet in the UK.
• Leaf size can reach 45cm x 30cm (18" x 12") or more.
• Known for very large leaves, hence the common name "Elephant Ears."
• Forms a small clump.

Ecological Role

• Can thrive in moist areas and even close to aquatic environments.

Traditional and Modern Uses

• The corms of Colocasia esculenta are edible and known as taro.
• Cultivated as a staple food crop in tropical Asia for thousands of years.
• Important food crop widely cultivated.
• Traditionally used as a medicinal plant.
• Has been cultivated as a staple in Hawaii since ancient times.
• A potential therapeutic agent has been derived from the root.

Quirky Facts

• In the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, taro cultivars are classified as 'male' and 'female' based on their reaction to specific diseases.
• The plant's leaves exhibit superhydrophobicity, similar to the Lotus effect.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Provides help and information on Colocasia esculenta taro.
• Plant Delights Nursery: Offers an in-depth article on Elephant Ears (Colocasia).
• EEB Greenhouse Accession Data