Alocasia macrorrhizos

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Taxonomy (3)

Classification: Angiosperm, monocot
Family: Araceae
Common name: Giant Taro, Wild Taro, Upright Elephant Ear Taro 

General Information (1,2,3)

Region of Origin: Philippines, Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 8-11
Growth Habit: Herb

  • Size: 12-15 feet

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1)

  • Shape: Arrow
  • Other: 3-6 feet long

gianttaroleaf
(Photo by Garrett Carter)

Stem/Bark (1)

  • Color: Green
  • Texture: Smooth

Flower (4)

  • Inflorescence type: Spadix

Fruit (1,4)

  • Fruit type: Berry
  • Color: Red to orange

Horticultural Information (1,3)

  • Light: Full sun to full shade
  • pH: 6.6-7.5
  • Maintenance: Easy to care for
  • Landscape Uses: Greenhouse, shade

Interesting Facts (1)

  • Can caused stomach aches if eaten when not cooked properly
  • The sap can cause skin irritation

References

1) Christman, S. (2002, March 16). Floridata: Alocasia macrorrhiza. Welcome to Floridata. Retrieved April 3, 2013, from http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/aloc_mac.cfm
2) Nauheimer, L., Boyce, P., & Renner, S. (2011). Giant taro and its relatives: a phylogeny of the large genus Alocasia (Araceae) sheds light on Miocene floristic exchange in the Malesian region.. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 63(1), 43-51.
3) PlantFiles: Upright Elephant Ear, Giant Taro, Wild Taro Alocasia macrorrhizos. (n.d.). Dave's Garden. Retrieved April 2, 2013, from davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/53227/#ixzz2PDtMdMj6
4) Alocasia Macrorrhiza, Upright Elephant Ears. (n.d.). ALOCASIA MACRORRHIZA. Retrieved April 3, 2013, from http://www.alocasia-macrorrhiza.com/flowerinfo.html

Prepared by Garrett Carter as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek