Common name(s): Taro, Dasheen, Cocoyam, Elephant's Ear, Black-leafed Taro
Family name: Araceae
Common family name: Arum Family
USDA hardiness zone(s): 8
Perennation: perennial
Light level: partial shade
Flower color: yellow
Plant height: 5 feet
Plant spread: 8 feet
Deciduous: evergreen
Growth form:
Leaf color: purple
Range: Cultivated
Habit: herbaceous
Special characteristics:
This elephant's ear cultivar features unusual dusky purple heart-shaped leaves that are 2 feet long. The petioles are purple. It grows in wet soil and full sun to part shade. It typically grows 3'-6' tall and as wide. The tubers are edible and are used to make poi.
Taro can be planted in a pond or bog garden or other area, as long as it has adequate moisture. The tubers can be dug up after the first frost and stored in a cool dry place for planting the next spring.
