ThunderLandscape Plant Database

Slideshow of plant photos
(includes visitor submitted photos)

Colocasia esculenta

Common name(s): Taro, Dasheen, Cocoyam, Elephant's Ear

Family name: Araceae

Common family name: Arum Family

USDA hardiness zone(s): 9

Perennation: perennial

Light level: sun, partial sun, partial shade

Flower color:

Plant height: 3 feet - 7 feet

Plant spread: 4 feet

Deciduous: evergreen

Growth form:

Leaf color: green

Range: Tropical East Asia, naturalized throughout tropics & warm temperate regions

Habit: herbaceous

Special characteristics: Food - Edible for Humans

Taro is a tuberous and stemless tropical plant with leaf blades to 2 feet long. The upper surface of the leaves are velvety green to bluish-black. The petioles (stems) are green to reddish. The flower is a spathe to 15 inches long, green to red-purple at the base and yellow at the top. The top of the spathe is expanded and reflexed. This species is available in various colors and patterns.The tubers are edible and used in making Poi. It is a major food source for people in some tropical regions.

This plant needs abundant water and rich, well-drained soil. They can be grown in a pond or bog garden. The tubers can be stored for the winter.

Zones 9 - 11