Krishna Kaasyap · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
The genus *Colocasia* includes numerous species, many of which are cultivated for their edible corms and leaves. The plant is notable for its large, shield-like leaves and its use as a staple food source across diverse global cuisines, including taro and eddoe.
Field notes
Morphology
The species are herbaceous perennial plants with a large corm on or just below the ground surface. Leaves are large to very large, measuring 20–150 cm (7.9–59.1 in) long, and have a sagittate shape. The plant reproduces by rhizomes and produces clusters of two to five fragrant inflorescences in the leaf axils.
Distribution & habitat
Native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Specific species are found in regions such as 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 and is suitable for subtropical and tropical areas year-round. For temperate regions, it must be planted out for the summer and stored over winter. Optimal growth occurs between 20 and 30 °C, and the root tuber should be planted close to the surface. It thrives in compost-rich soil and shade, but requires consistent moisture.
History & etymology
The generic name is derived from the ancient Greek word kolokasion, which may have meant the edible roots of both taro (*C. esculenta*) and *Nelumbo nucifera*.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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