About Alocasia

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. This is a forest understory plant that has widely naturalized over large tropical areas extending from India to Southeast Asia to Malayasia, however it is unclear as to the specific geographic regions where this plant was originally native. It is closely related to Colocasia, except for the position of the leaves (upright Alocasia leaves point skyward on rigid stems whereas drooping Colocasia leaves point toward the ground).

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.

Plant Specifications

Alocasia Care

Alocasia Special Feature

Big and beautiful foliage.

Alocasia Uses