Krishna Kaasyap · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
The species *Colocasia hilo* is a member of the genus *Colocasia*, which includes many large-leaved, herbaceous perennial plants. These plants are notable for their large, shield-like leaves and edible corms, which are a staple starch in many tropical cuisines.
Field notes
Morphology
The leaves are large to very large, measuring 20–150 cm (7.9–59.1 in) long, and have a sagittate shape. The plant grows from a large corm on or just below the ground surface and produces clusters of two to five fragrant inflorescences in the leaf axils.
Distribution & habitat
The genus is native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Specific species mentioned are found in regions including Yunnan, Nepal, Assam, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, eastern Himalayas, southern China, Indochina, Sumatra, and the Indian subcontinent.
Ecology
The larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including two members of Palpifer, use *Colocasia* species as food plants.
Cultivation notes
The plant can be grown in the ground or in large containers, ideally in subtropical and tropical areas year-round. For temperate regions, it must be planted out for the summer and stored over winter. Growth is best at temperatures between 20 and 30 °C (68 and 86 °F), and the plant requires compost-rich soil and shade.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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