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(Alocasia odora)
Asian Taro (Alocasia odora)
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chiuluan
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chiuluan
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: chiuluan | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: chiuluan | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-01-31T14:47:35-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Alocasia odora, commonly known as Asian Taro, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the understory of tropical rainforests in East and Southeast Asia, including regions like China, Japan, and the Philippines. It typically grows to a height of 0.5–1.6 meters with a similar spread. The plant features large, lush green leaves that can reach up to 1 meter in length, adding a dramatic tropical effect to the garden. The leaves are held aloft on sturdy stems, and the plant occasionally produces inconspicuous green spathes that house the flowers in spring and summer, though these are not particularly showy.
Asian Taro is valued for its bold foliage, which makes it a popular choice for creating a tropical look in temperate gardens. It is often used in container plantings, as a focal point in shaded garden beds, or in conservatories. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist soil and high humidity to thrive, mimicking its native rainforest habitat. It prefers part shade but can tolerate morning sun if kept adequately watered. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to spider mites and root rot if overwatered or if drainage is poor. It is also important to note that all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be irritating if ingested or if they come into contact with the skin.CC BY-SA 4.0
Asian Taro is valued for its bold foliage, which makes it a popular choice for creating a tropical look in temperate gardens. It is often used in container plantings, as a focal point in shaded garden beds, or in conservatories. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist soil and high humidity to thrive, mimicking its native rainforest habitat. It prefers part shade but can tolerate morning sun if kept adequately watered. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to spider mites and root rot if overwatered or if drainage is poor. It is also important to note that all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be irritating if ingested or if they come into contact with the skin.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 6-15 feet
- Width: 6-12 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Understory of tropical rainforests in East and Southeast Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Night-Scented Lily, Giant Upright Elephant Ear, Taro, Elephant-Ear
Scientific Names: , Alocasia odora, Colocasia odora, Alocasia commutata, Alocasia tonkinensis, Alocasia subodorata, Arum odoratum, Arum odorum, Caladium odoratissimum, Caladium odorum
GBIF Accepted Name: Alocasia odora (G.Lodd.) Spach