Cobb County Cooperative Extension Service
PLANT OF THE MONTH
WANT TO STOP TRAFFIC IN
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
FAMILY: Araceae HEIGHT: 3’-7’
GENUS: Colocasia SUN EXPOSURE: Full Sun/Part Shade
CATEGORY: Herbaceous HARDINESS ZONE: 7-11
Colocasia, sometimes known as, ‘the potato of the tropics’, has been cultivated since 5000BC. It is believed to have been grown as a food source in the tropical Indo-Malaysian region, spreading into Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, Egypt and Europe. The Taro remains a staple in the diets of many countries around the world. Should you decide to try your culinary talents with the plant, you must know that the entire plant is inedible unless thoroughly cooked.
These hardy perennials make a striking addition to the landscape. They provide architectural interest as focal points in background areas and centerpiece plantings.
The large leaves and plant size draw the eyes vertically and dramatically expand the landscape’s dimension.
If a tropical atmosphere is desired, these are great container plants. Use a pair to frame the entrance to your home, garden or on the patio. In containers, you may use any variety of annuals as ground cover. These bold plantings will remind you of exotic peoples and far away places.
Another treat is cutting. A large, tall, contemporary vase with a few pebbles and one or two freshly cut leaves makes for a unique flower arrangement. The leaves will usually last one week to ten days-or more.
Plant these in a rich, organic soil and fertilize regularly. Colocasia likes to be watered routinely, however it is forgiving. It thrives in full sun (water well) and can also withstand shade. It can even be submerged in ponds for the summer but does not enjoy ‘wet feet’ during the dormant season. In Georgia landscapes it is a perennial. After low temperatures arrive (60 or less) the foliage dies back and the plant goes into dormancy. A good covering of mulch will help keep it warm over the winter. Each year the plant will increase in size. If you care to share, you can divide the plant when it is breaking ground in early spring.
There are many colors, shapes and sizes available in today’s market. Colocasia illistris is black leaved with vivid green veins. Colocasia macrorrhiza or ‘Giant Colocasia’ has a vivid green leaf and upright growing habit reaching heights of 6 feet. It appears to have come directly from the jungle. Colocasia esculenta include ‘Black Magic’ with its dark velvet leaf and ‘Ruffles’ with large green leaves that are ‘ruffled’ around the outside edges. Both are perfect for large estate containers. Focusing on foliage provides the opportunity to experiment and explore color and texture variations.
The good news is that we are beginning to see exciting things happen in Georgia’s landscape. The addition of Colocasia to the list of plants that can be utilized in our corporate and residential exteriors offers the diversity we are always seeking. The University of Georgia is working hard to explore and test new exotics for our
landscaping adventures.
BY: EMILY HARPER
Horticultural Program Assistant
Information Sources:
www.floridata.com
http://ntbg.org/plants
www.siu.edu
Photo Credits:
elephantearsplants.com
info@pacificcallas.com
The contents and opinions expressed on this Web page do not necessarily reflect the views of nor are they endorsed by the University of Georgia or the University System of Georgia