Green Taro

(Colocasia esculenta)

Green Taro (Colocasia esculenta)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Colocasia esculenta, commonly known as Green Taro, is a tropical perennial herb that is primarily cultivated for its edible corms. It is native to the lowland wetlands of South and Southeast Asia, where it thrives in the warm, humid conditions. Taro is a staple food in many cultures, similar to yams, and is one of the earliest cultivated plants. It is uniquely adapted to grow in flooded conditions due to air spaces in the petioles, allowing it to exchange gases underwater. Taro plants can reach a height of 2 to 6 feet with large, heart-shaped leaves that can be green or purple, adding to their ornamental appeal. The plant also produces inconspicuous inflorescences wrapped in a leaf-like bract.

Green Taro is valued for its lush foliage and is often used in water gardens, as a landscape plant in tropical areas, and for its edible corms in culinary applications. It requires a high amount of water and can be grown in full sun to part shade. The soil should be rich, moist, and well-draining, although it can tolerate standing water. Taro is harvested when the leaves begin to yellow and the plant height decreases. It is important to note that Colocasia esculenta can become invasive outside its native range, particularly in regions like California and Florida, so it should be planted with caution.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow, Standing

Common Uses

Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Lowland wetlands of South and Southeast Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Cocoyam , Dasheen , Elephant Ears , Eddo , Elephant’s-Ear , Caladium , Wild Taro , Zehrwurzel , Malanga , Alcocaz

Scientific Names: Colocasia esculenta , Colocasia esculenta subsp. illustris , Colocasia esculenta var. illustris , Colocasia formosana , Arum esculentum , Colocasia antiquorum , Colocasia esculenta var. aquatilis , Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum , Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta , Colocasia tonoimo

GBIF Accepted Name: Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott