COLOCASIA

(Coloca'sia)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of six tender, tuberous-rooted perennials, commonly known as Elephant Ears. Elephant Ears are natives of tropical countries and are grown for their beautiful, large leaves. They are suitable for growing in containers, borders, and also bog gardens because they tolerate wet soil, even standing water. The handsome, large leaves of these plants grow atop 3- to 7-foot stems and can reach a length of 2 or 3 feet themselves. The leaves are held perpendicular to the stem (called a peltate leaf - see dictionary), so that they face outward and point to the ground; thus their beauty is completely seen. C. esculenta (Taro Root; Dasheen) has heart- to arrow-shaped, smooth green leaves. This species has been grown for over a thousand years for its edible tubers, which are a staple in the diet of people from India to the South Pacific. The Taro roots were boiled and eaten and the tender leaves were cooked as greens. However, they are poisonous if not prepared correctly. Even though the leaves of C. esculenta are a deep green, there are several varieties with variegated foliage and stems. Variety 'Fontanesia' produces green leaves on very dark purple petioles (leaf stalks). Variety 'Black Magic' is a gorgeous plant with such dark plum leaves they appear black. The leaves grow on dark burgundy-black stems.

POTTING: These tropical plants need a minimum temperature of 70º F. In unsuitable climates, they may be grown outdoors for the summer and brought in before frost. They will flourish in large tubs, at least 10 inches in diameter. In warm climates, plant the tubers in the spring when night temperatures are around 60º F. Plant them 2 to 3 inches deep and up to 6 feet apart in rich, organic soil. The tubers may also be started indoors, 4 to 6 weeks earlier, at temperatures from 70º to 75º F. (This is especially smart in cool, short summer regions.) Grow your plants in full sun in cool climates. In warm, tropical regions, where they stay in the ground year-round, provide partial shade. Water your plants generously and fertilize often. When these plants are to grow in a water garden, they are potted in 5-gallon containers or larger in rich topsoil. They may be set in 1 to 6 inches of 70º F or warmer water. In climates where they need to be wintered indoors, they may be set in a saucer of water in a sunny window. In cool climates (when grown in the ground), they will need to be dug up and stored for the winter. This is done in the fall after the first frost. Cut off the foliage and store the tubers, with soil attached in a 45º to 55º F temperature until it is time to start them into growth again in the spring. In the spring, the tubers will be shaken free of the old soil and started into growth as described previously.

PROPAGATION: The tuberous roots can be divided at potting time. Small plants that grow on the terminal ends of the stolons may be detached and planted.

VARIETIES: C. esculenta & var. Fontanesia, Black Magic, rubra; C. antiquorum.

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