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Colocasia (Colocasia)
Colocasia comprise a genus of tropical and subtropical flowering perennials. The Latin name comes from "kolokasion", which was the Greek name for the edible roots of C. esculenta. The sap of all species can be irritating to the skin, and all parts of the plant can cause stomach issues if eaten raw.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Colocasia
Feedback
Attributes of Colocasia
Plant Height
91 cm to 3 m
Spread
90 cm to 3 m
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
15 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Colocasia
Distribution of Colocasia
Feedback
Distribution Map of Colocasia
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Colocasia
Feedback
Colocasia is a tropical perennial plant genus requiring a humid environment and partial to full sun exposure. Optimal growth occurs in warm temperatures, and colocasia thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common challenge, along with pests such as spider mites and aphids. Seasonally, colocasia enters dormancy in winter; during this period, reduce watering. In spring and summer, colocasia's growth is vigorous, necessitating increased water and humidity to support development.
How to Water Colocasia?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Colocasia?
How to Propagate Colocasia?
Exploring the Colocasia Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Taro
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical plant native to southern India and Southeast Asia. It is most commonly grown as a root vegetable and has a wide variety of culinary uses. Taro is considered one of the most ancient crops in history.
Coco yam 'Thailand Giant'
Coco yam 'Thailand Giant' is a majestic plant that commands attention in any garden. Its colossal leaves can reach impressive sizes, creating a tropical atmosphere. While not suitable for culinary use, this plant holds significant economic value in the horticultural trade. Coco yam 'Thailand Giant' thrives in wet and humid environments, making it an ideal choice for water gardens or areas with ample moisture. Its towering presence and unique foliage make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts looking to make a bold statement.
Elephant ears 'Mojito'
Elephant ears 'Mojito' is distinct for its variegated foliage, which is green with black or dark purple spots, and petioles, which sport dark purple stripes that fade to pink. A cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, its name probably alludes to the similar variegation one sees in a Mojito cocktail. Prized for its colorful foliage, it is also commonly grown as a food crop (viz. taro).
Silver leaf elephant ear
Silver leaf elephant ear is a tropical perennial with foliage in shades of silver and green, making it perfect for adding an exotic touch to any garden space. It is commonly used as a ground cover in areas with moist soils and can be toxic if consumed by humans or pets.
'Black Beauty' elephant's ear
'Black Beauty' elephant's ear is a genetic mutation of the 'Illustris' variety, with the key novelty factor being the astonishingly attractive shade of its leaves. Its foliage boasts a gorgeous coat of dark purple-black with bright green veins and a distinct dot in the center. It contains an irritant that may cause intense discomfort in sensitive parts of the body.
Taro 'Fontanesii'
Taro 'Fontanesii' is a popular garden plant because of its large drooping 'elephant ear' leaves. This cultivar has a distinctive black stem and darker colored leaves than its parent plant and grows well in beds and borders or close to ponds, lakes and streams.
Taro 'Hawaiian Punch'
Taro 'Hawaiian Punch' is a vigorous elephant ear offering mid-green leaves with contrasting purple-red stems and veins. It was developed as a cultivar of Colocasia esculenta by a team led by John J. Cho at the University of Hawaii, Kula. All breeds are part of the Royal Hawaiian® Series. This fact, plus the red coloration led to comparisons with Hawaiian punch drinks. This taro looks stunning in a rain garden next to water features.
Taro 'Blue Hawaii'
Taro 'Blue Hawaii' is a cultivar of taro sometimes called Elephant’s Ear for its large leaves. This variant has distinctive blue veins across its green leaves, and was bred in Hawaii by John Cho, which is where its name comes from. It is a low maintenance plant rich in tropical-looking foliage, used often where conditions are wet.
All Species of Colocasia
Taro
Taro
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical plant native to southern India and Southeast Asia. It is most commonly grown as a root vegetable and has a wide variety of culinary uses. Taro is considered one of the most ancient crops in history.
Coco yam 'Thailand Giant'
Coco yam 'Thailand Giant'
Coco yam 'Thailand Giant' is a majestic plant that commands attention in any garden. Its colossal leaves can reach impressive sizes, creating a tropical atmosphere. While not suitable for culinary use, this plant holds significant economic value in the horticultural trade. Coco yam 'Thailand Giant' thrives in wet and humid environments, making it an ideal choice for water gardens or areas with ample moisture. Its towering presence and unique foliage make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts looking to make a bold statement.
Elephant ears 'Mojito'
Elephant ears 'Mojito'
Elephant ears 'Mojito' is distinct for its variegated foliage, which is green with black or dark purple spots, and petioles, which sport dark purple stripes that fade to pink. A cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, its name probably alludes to the similar variegation one sees in a Mojito cocktail. Prized for its colorful foliage, it is also commonly grown as a food crop (viz. taro).
Silver leaf elephant ear
Silver leaf elephant ear
Silver leaf elephant ear is a tropical perennial with foliage in shades of silver and green, making it perfect for adding an exotic touch to any garden space. It is commonly used as a ground cover in areas with moist soils and can be toxic if consumed by humans or pets.
'Black Beauty' elephant's ear
'Black Beauty' elephant's ear
'Black Beauty' elephant's ear is a genetic mutation of the 'Illustris' variety, with the key novelty factor being the astonishingly attractive shade of its leaves. Its foliage boasts a gorgeous coat of dark purple-black with bright green veins and a distinct dot in the center. It contains an irritant that may cause intense discomfort in sensitive parts of the body.
Taro 'Fontanesii'
Taro 'Fontanesii'
Taro 'Fontanesii' is a popular garden plant because of its large drooping 'elephant ear' leaves. This cultivar has a distinctive black stem and darker colored leaves than its parent plant and grows well in beds and borders or close to ponds, lakes and streams.
Taro 'Hawaiian Punch'
Taro 'Hawaiian Punch'
Taro 'Hawaiian Punch' is a vigorous elephant ear offering mid-green leaves with contrasting purple-red stems and veins. It was developed as a cultivar of Colocasia esculenta by a team led by John J. Cho at the University of Hawaii, Kula. All breeds are part of the Royal Hawaiian® Series. This fact, plus the red coloration led to comparisons with Hawaiian punch drinks. This taro looks stunning in a rain garden next to water features.
Taro 'Blue Hawaii'
Taro 'Blue Hawaii'
Taro 'Blue Hawaii' is a cultivar of taro sometimes called Elephant’s Ear for its large leaves. This variant has distinctive blue veins across its green leaves, and was bred in Hawaii by John Cho, which is where its name comes from. It is a low maintenance plant rich in tropical-looking foliage, used often where conditions are wet.
Elephant ears 'Black Magic'
Elephant ears 'Black Magic'
A cultivar of Taro, elephant ears 'Black Magic' is often grown for its drooping foliage, which is a smoky, almost black shade of purple – unusual for a tropical plant. This cultivar does (infrequently) produce yellow-green blossoms, but they are not thought to be particularly presentable.
Taro 'Kona Coffee'
Taro 'Kona Coffee'
Taro 'Kona Coffee' is a tropical plant that has striking leaves with a dark, coffee-colored hue. It is a perennial that grows up to 6 feet high and is known to thrive in warm, humid environments. Interesting facts about this plant include its use in traditional medicine to treat various ailments and its starchy roots that can be used to make a popular Hawaiian dish called poi.
Taro 'Black Coral'
Taro 'Black Coral'
Taro 'Black Coral' offers glossy, heart-shaped jet black foliage that droops downwards and has the unique ability to retain its color in full sun. It is a cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, developed at the University of Hawaii, Kula. Plant this stunning dark tropical perennial as a contrasting backdrop to brightly colored flowers.
Taro 'Illustris'
Taro 'Illustris'
Taro 'Illustris' is a show-stopping plant with striking purple-black foliage heartily contrasted by its vibrant green veins. Its roots are edible and widely used in cooking across many cultures. Additionally, the plant's aesthetic value is widely recognized, and it's often incorporated into both indoor and outdoor designs.
Taro 'White Lava'
Taro 'White Lava'
Taro 'White Lava' is a tropical plant. Its leaves are heart-shaped and glossy, and its stems can grow up to 6 feet tall. The name 'White Lava' refers to the light-colored veins that run through the plant's
Taro 'Diamond Head'
Taro 'Diamond Head'
Taro 'Diamond Head' features lustrous, heart-shaped leaves with a deep purple hue, mimicking the volcanic essence of its namesake. This tropical perennial thrives in moist, rich soil, under partial shade where its dramatic foliage can truly flourish. Its robust stature and distinctive coloration make it a striking addition to any humid garden landscape.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Colocasia
Colocasia
Colocasia comprise a genus of tropical and subtropical flowering perennials. The Latin name comes from "kolokasion", which was the Greek name for the edible roots of C. esculenta. The sap of all species can be irritating to the skin, and all parts of the plant can cause stomach issues if eaten raw.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Colocasia
Feedback
Attributes of Colocasia
Plant Height
91 cm to 3 m
Spread
90 cm to 3 m
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
15 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Colocasia
Distribution of Colocasia
Feedback
Distribution Map of Colocasia
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Colocasia
Feedback
Colocasia is a tropical perennial plant genus requiring a humid environment and partial to full sun exposure. Optimal growth occurs in warm temperatures, and colocasia thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common challenge, along with pests such as spider mites and aphids. Seasonally, colocasia enters dormancy in winter; during this period, reduce watering. In spring and summer, colocasia's growth is vigorous, necessitating increased water and humidity to support development.
How to Water Colocasia?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Colocasia?
How to Propagate Colocasia?
Exploring the Colocasia Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Taro
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical plant native to southern India and Southeast Asia. It is most commonly grown as a root vegetable and has a wide variety of culinary uses. Taro is considered one of the most ancient crops in history.
Coco yam 'Thailand Giant'
Coco yam 'Thailand Giant' is a majestic plant that commands attention in any garden. Its colossal leaves can reach impressive sizes, creating a tropical atmosphere. While not suitable for culinary use, this plant holds significant economic value in the horticultural trade. Coco yam 'Thailand Giant' thrives in wet and humid environments, making it an ideal choice for water gardens or areas with ample moisture. Its towering presence and unique foliage make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts looking to make a bold statement.
Elephant ears 'Mojito'
Elephant ears 'Mojito' is distinct for its variegated foliage, which is green with black or dark purple spots, and petioles, which sport dark purple stripes that fade to pink. A cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, its name probably alludes to the similar variegation one sees in a Mojito cocktail. Prized for its colorful foliage, it is also commonly grown as a food crop (viz. taro).
Silver leaf elephant ear
Silver leaf elephant ear is a tropical perennial with foliage in shades of silver and green, making it perfect for adding an exotic touch to any garden space. It is commonly used as a ground cover in areas with moist soils and can be toxic if consumed by humans or pets.
Show More Species
All Species of Colocasia
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
