Giant Taro, Upright Elephant Ears , Alocasia Macrorrhizos – 5 seeds 2023 – USA
Alocasia macrorrhizos, commonly called giant taro or upright elephant ears, is a rhizomatous tropical perennial of the arum family that is treasured both for its giant ornamentally decorative leaves which resemble the ears of an elephant and its edible rhizomes which have been cultivated for many years in the tropics as an edible vegetable under the common name of taro. Thick, cordate, prominently-veined, wavy-edged green leaves (to 3-6’ long and 3-4’ wide) are borne on rigid stalks (long-sheathed petioles) which emerge from a stout upright trunk (becoming woody with age) which can eventually grow to as much as 6’ tall. The entire plant can eventually grow to as much as 12-15’ tall in optimum growing conditions with a spread to 6-10’ wide. Greenish spathe and spadix (Jack-in-the pulpit type) stand 8-10” tall (flowers are packed into the spadix and surrounded by the spathe). Flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year. Flowers are followed by red berry-like fruits which are infrequently formed in cultivation. Notwithstanding its ornamental features, this giant taro is also an edible root vegetable. It has been harvested for many years in the tropics as a potato-like substitute in areas where potatoes will not grow. Stem pith is also edible. Rhizomes and stems must first be cooked (usually boiled) prior to eating in order to remove calcium oxalates which render uncooked rhizomes and stems inedible.
