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.