Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro)
A striking beauty with its dramatic, gigantic leaves, Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro) is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial which is excellent for bringing a lush look to gardens. Resembling the ears of an elephant, thick, prominently-veined, ruffled, green leaves are borne on rigid stalks (petioles) which jut vertically from a stout upright trunk. Huge, they can reach 3-6 ft. in length (90-180 cm) and 2-4 ft. in width (60-120 cm). They are arrow-shaped at their bases and stand upright, pointing skyward, unlike the leaves of Colocasia, which droop and point toward the ground. Reminiscent of calla lily flowers, the blossoms consist of a yellowish-green spathe and spadix. They are not particularly showy and bloom intermittently throughout the year. Excellent tender perennial as a focal or specimen plant.
- Grows up to 12-15 ft. high (360-450 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm)
- Performs best in part shade in organically rich, moist, to wet soils. Provide a sheltered location to protect the decorative leaves from strong winds. Leaves often scorch when exposed to full sun. Plants require regular watering and fertilization. Reduce watering in winter.
- Perfect as a green houseplant, for containers, or in the shade garden.
- Watch for spider mites, scale, mealy bugs, and aphids.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to Sri Lanka and India through Southeast Asia into the islands of Indonesia.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9 – 12 |
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Heat Zones | 9 – 12 |
Climate Zones | 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Alocasia – Elephant Ears |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 12' – 15' (3.6m – 4.5m) |
Spread | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | Australia |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |