Colocasia Esculenta

Description

The Colocasia Esculenta, commonly known as taro or elephant ear, is a tropical plant that originated from Southeast Asia and Southern India. It is a perennial plant that belongs to the Araceae family and is known for its edible corms and leaves. The plant has been cultivated for thousands of years and is now widely grown in many parts of the world, including Africa, South America, and the Pacific Islands.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Colocasia Esculenta is a large plant that can grow up to six feet tall and six feet wide. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to three feet long and two feet wide. The leaves are usually green or variegated, with some varieties having purple or black stems. The plant also produces a large, starchy corm that is used as a staple food in many parts of the world. The corm can grow up to ten inches in diameter and weigh up to ten pounds.

Care Guide

The Colocasia Esculenta requires a warm, humid environment and rich, well-draining soil. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Fertilization: Feed the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
• Soil: Plant the Colocasia Esculenta in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or peat moss.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
• Hardiness Zones: The Colocasia Esculenta can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Colocasia Esculenta is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap to control them.
• Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing and leaf drop. Control them with a horticultural oil spray.
• Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Treat it by removing affected roots and repotting the plant in fresh soil.

Habitat

The Colocasia Esculenta is native to Southeast Asia and Southern India, where it grows in wet, marshy areas. The plant is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including Africa, South America, and the Pacific Islands. It prefers a warm, humid environment and rich, well-draining soil.

Question and Answer

• Q: Can you eat the leaves of the Colocasia Esculenta?
  A: Yes, the leaves of the Colocasia Esculenta are edible and are used in many traditional dishes in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
• Q: How often should I fertilize my Colocasia Esculenta?
  A: Feed the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
• Q: How do I propagate my Colocasia Esculenta?
  A: Propagate the plant by dividing the corms in the spring or summer. Make sure each division has at least one growing point.
• Q: Can I grow Colocasia Esculenta in a container?
  A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and has good drainage.

Related Plants

• Alocasia
• Xanthosoma
• Caladium
• Amorphophallus
• Dieffenbachia

References

• “Colocasia esculenta.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b676
• “Growing Taro.” University of Hawaii at Manoa, www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/FN-1.pdf
• “Colocasia esculenta.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60492104-2