Black Bat Flower

(Tacca chantrieri)

Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Tacca chantrieri, commonly known as the black bat flower, is a perennial herb native to the understory of tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China. It is an evergreen plant that typically grows to a height of 20-39 inches (50-100 centimeters). The black bat flower is renowned for its dramatic appearance, featuring large, black or dark purple flowers with two wing-like bracts and long, hanging filaments that resemble whiskers. The flowering season extends from April to July, during which the plant produces its unusual blooms that can be quite showy and are a conversation piece in any garden.

The black bat flower is valued for its striking aesthetic and is often grown as an ornamental plant in humid, shaded areas of tropical and subtropical gardens. It requires high humidity, consistent moisture, and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It thrives in part shade to full shade conditions and should be protected from direct sunlight. In cultivation, it is sometimes grown as a houseplant under controlled conditions. While it is used in traditional Chinese medicine, it is not commonly employed in Western herbal practices. Gardeners should be aware that Tacca chantrieri can be sensitive to overwatering and root rot if drainage is inadequate. It is also prone to spider mites and requires regular misting or a humid environment to deter these pests.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Black, Brown, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Butterfly Garden, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Understory of tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Devil Flower , Cat’s-Whiskers , Jian Gen Shu , Bat Flower

Scientific Names: Tacca chantrieri , Clerodendrum esquirolii , Schizocapsa breviscapa , Schizocapsa itagakii , Tacca chantrieri f. macrantha , Tacca esquirolii , Tacca garrettii , Tacca lancifolia var. breviscapa , Tacca macrantha , Tacca minor

GBIF Accepted Name: