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Description
Colocasia Esculenta Black Magic, commonly known as Taro, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Araceae family. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. The leaves are dark purple to black in color, and the stems are green. The plant produces a tuber that is edible and commonly used in Asian cuisine. The tuber has a nutty flavor and is high in fiber and vitamins.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Colocasia |
Appearance
The Colocasia Esculenta Black Magic plant has large, heart-shaped leaves that are dark purple to black in color. The stems are green and can grow up to 2 feet tall. The plant produces a tuber that is brown in color and can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. The tuber is edible and has a nutty flavor. The plant blooms in the summer and produces a white to green spathe and a yellow spadix.
Care Guide
The Colocasia Esculenta Black Magic plant requires frequent watering and prefers well-draining soil. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. The plant should be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer. It is susceptible to root rot and should be planted in a well-draining soil mix. The plant can be propagated by dividing the tuber in the spring.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Colocasia Esculenta Black Magic plant is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Diseases include root rot, bacterial leaf spot, and fungal leaf spot. To prevent pest and disease problems, the plant should be kept in a well-ventilated area and watered properly.
Habitat
The Colocasia Esculenta Black Magic plant is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows best in warm, humid environments and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Colocasia Esculenta Black Magic plant poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant, including the tuber, are poisonous if ingested raw. The plant should be cooked before consumption.
Q: Can the Colocasia Esculenta Black Magic plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the size of the plant.
Q: How often should the Colocasia Esculenta Black Magic plant be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can the Colocasia Esculenta Black Magic plant tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, the plant is not cold-hardy and should be protected from frost and freezing temperatures.
Related Plants
- Colocasia esculenta
- Colocasia gigantea
- Colocasia antiquorum
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/taro/growing-taro-plants.htm
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/colocasia-esculenta-black-magic
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/bulb/taro/
