SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 1489.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "1489" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Alocasia macrorrhizos var. rubra

Scientific Name: Alocasia macrorrhizos var. rubra

Family: Araceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Alocasia macrorrhizos: The Giant Taro

Alocasia macrorrhizos, commonly known as Giant Taro or Elephant Ear Taro, is an impressive plant belonging to the arum family (Araceae). It's a perennial species native to Southeast Asia and the rainforests stretching from Malaysia to Queensland.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don
  • Common Names: Giant Taro, Elephant Ear Taro
  • Family: Araceae (Arum family)
  • Synonyms and related taxa:
    • Alocasia indica (L.) Spach
    • Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott
    • Arum indicum L.
    • Colocasia indica (L.) Kunth
    • Colocasia boryi Kunth
    • Colocasia rapiformis (Roxb.) Kunth
    • Alocasia metallica Schott
    • Alocasia marginata N.E.Br.
    • Alocasia plumbea
    • Alocasia variegata
    • Alocasia macrorrhizos var. rubra (Hassk.) Furtado (a synonym in some classifications)
    • Alocasia macrorrhizos var. variegata (K. Koch & C.D. Bouch) Furtado (a synonym in some classifications)
    • Colocasia indica var. rubra Hassk.
  • Varieties:
    • Alocasia macrorrhizos var. rubra (Hassk.) Furtado
    • Alocasia macrorrhizos var. variegata (K. Koch & C.D. Bouch) Furtado
    • Alocasia indica var. diversifolia Engl.
    • Alocasia indica var. metallica (Schott) Schott
    • Alocasia indica var. rubra (Hassk.) Engl.
    • Alocasia indica var. typica Engl.
    • Alocasia indica var. variegata (K. Koch &amp C.D.Bouch) Engl.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Southeast Asia, including the Bismarck Archipelago.
  • Found in rainforests from Malaysia to Queensland, Australia.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Distinguished by its large, heart-shaped leaves.
  • Leaves tend to point upwards.

Quirky Facts

  • Unlike true Taro, whose leaves point downwards, Giant Taro's leaves point upwards, contributing to the plant's overall height.