Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro, Giant Elephant Ear, Upright Elephant Ear.)
Botanical Information
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Alocasia |
| Species | macrorrhiza |
| Category | Bulbs, Perennials, Tropicals |
| Origin | Australia, Malesia, and Papuasia. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Roots are used to treat swollen lymph glands and the stem is used to treat stomach-ache and diarrhoea. The corm and stem are eaten cooked. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9 - 12 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1a |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 4 - 5 m |
| Spread | 1 - 2 m |
| Growth | Fast |
Description and Growing Information
| Landscape | Perfect as a greenhouse plant for containers, or for the shade gardens. |
| Propagation | By seed and division of offset corms. |
| Cultivation | Best grown in part shade or filtered sun in moist to wet, organically rich soils in sheltered locations protected from strong winds. |
| Pests | May be prone to spider mites, scale, mealy bugs, and aphids. |
| Notable Specimens | Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. |
| Leaf Description | Thick, sculpted, glossy green, wavy-edged leaves, and up to 1 m long. |
Photographs
Alocasia macrorrhizos, form. Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Alocasia macrorrhizos, leaf. Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.