Alvesgaspar · CC BY 2.5
About
A striking ornamental plant, *Alocasia melo* is notable for its highly rugose, thick, and nearly circular leaves, which resemble a cantaloupe melon. It is endemic to the ultramafic soils of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant is a small herb reaching 25–35 cm in height. Its broad, leathery, peltate leaves are deep bluish-green on the upper surface and pale greenish-white below. The leaf blade measures 18–25 cm long and 15 cm wide, featuring a wrinkled and bumpy texture. The petiole is pale green with sparse burgundy spots, and the leaf structure includes an anterior lobe (12.5–16 cm) and fused posterior lobes (up to 8.5 cm).
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and thrives in ultramafic substrates.
History & etymology
The specific epithet 'melo' is derived from the leaves, which have a bumpy and wrinkled texture similar to the skin of a cantaloupe melon.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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