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Description
Tacca Chantrieri, commonly known as the Black Bat Flower, is a unique plant that belongs to the yam family, Dioscoreaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The plant produces exotic-looking flowers that resemble bats in flight, hence the name Black Bat Flower. The flowers have long, twisted whiskers that can grow up to 28 inches long, and its color can range from brown to black. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Tacca |
Appearance
The Tacca Chantrieri plant has large, dark green leaves that can grow up to 16 inches long and 8 inches wide. The leaves have a glossy texture and a slightly wavy margin. The plant produces flowers that are around 12 inches wide and have long, twisted whiskers that can grow up to 28 inches long. The flowers are brown to black in color and have a waxy texture. The plant produces small, round fruits that are around 0.5 inches in diameter.
Care Guide
To care for Tacca Chantrieri, it is important to provide it with the right conditions. Here is a detailed care guide:- Water: The plant requires regular watering, but it should not be overwatered. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade or filtered light. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and flowers.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tacca Chantrieri is susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap to get rid of them.- Mealybugs: These pests can cause a white, powdery substance on the plant. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or alcohol to get rid of them.- Fungal leaf spot: This disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid getting water on the leaves.
Habitat
Tacca Chantrieri is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It grows in moist, shaded areas such as rainforests.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tacca Chantrieri be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with the right conditions, such as partial shade and regular watering.
Q: How often should Tacca Chantrieri be watered?
A: The plant should be watered regularly, but make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the ideal temperature for Tacca Chantrieri?
A: The plant prefers temperatures between 60-80°F.
Q: How long does it take for Tacca Chantrieri to bloom?
A: The plant can take up to 2-3 years to bloom.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Tacca genus include:- Tacca Integrifolia- Tacca Nivea- Tacca Plantaginea- Tacca Subflabellata
References
– “Tacca Chantrieri.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277441&isprofile=0&basic=Tacca%20chantrieri.- “Tacca Chantrieri (Black Bat Flower).” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bat-flower/growing-black-bat-flower.htm.
