Description
Alocasia macrorrhizos is a species of flowering plant in the arum family, Araceae, that it is native to rainforests from Malaysia to Queensland and has long been cultivated on many islands and elsewhere in the tropics.
Alocasia macrorrhizos is a species of flowering plant in the arum family, Araceae, that it is native to rainforests from Malaysia to Queensland and has long been cultivated on many Pacific islands and elsewhere in the tropics.
Plant Specifications
| Common Name | giant taro, ape, giant alocasia and pai |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 12.00 to 15.00 feet |
| Flower Colour | white |
| Bloom Time | Seasonal bloomer |
| Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Diligently water your plants. Soak the entire root zone at least twice a week in dry summer weather. Avoid frequent shallow sprinklings, which won, t reach the deeper roots and may encourage fungus. Plants do best with 90 inches of rain per year, so unless you live in a rain forest, water regularly.
Alocasia macrorrhiza care
Enrich the soil with leaf mold or well-rotted organic matter to encourage good drainage. Dig a hole 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulbs are high and set the bulb in the hole pointy side up. Fill the hole with soil and tamp gently. Space bulbs at a distance equal to 3 times the bulb, s diameter. For a good effect, plant plants in groups of 3 to 5 bulbs.
| Sunlight | full sun |
| Watering | medium |
| Soil | well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 60-65 degrees F |
| Fertilizer | apply any organic fertilizer |
Alocasia macrorrhiza special feature
Bold foliage plant for frost-free areas in part shade. In areas where not winter hardy, plants may be grown in containers that are overwintered indoo Also may be grown as a houseplant (best in sun room or hothouse). Plants grown indoors need high humidity.
Alocasia macrorrhiza uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Alocasia macrorrhiza also known as giant taro, elephant s ear is a member of Araceace family
- It is commonly used as a decorative plant
- It is also used in many parts of the world as traditional herbal medicine in diverse ailments
Culinary Use:
- It is edible if cooked for a long time but its sap irritates the skin due to calcium oxalate crystals