Plant Finder - the ultimate garden reference resource
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Common Names
Coco-Yam
Taro
Dasheen
Elephant's Ears
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Botanic Name
Genus: Colocasia
Species: esculenta
Variety:
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Type: Annual/Perennial
Family: ARACEAE
Origins: East Asia
Light: Moderate/Dappled Shade
Wind: Sheltered
Growth: Medium
Frost: Tender
Evergreen: Yes
Native: No
Height: 1.5m
Width: 0.6m
Position
Glasshouse
Pond/River Edge
Pots & Planters
RETAIL Availability
Easy to find
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Flowering Time
(Southern Hemisphere)
Climate Zone
Zone: 10
Zone: 11
Zone: 12
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This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
Colocasia esculenta or Taro is an aquatic perennial that is much valued in many cultures for its edible tubers and young shoots.
The leaves are a glossy dark green and are shaped like large arrowheads.
The leaves are borne on 1.5-meter tall fleshy stems that emerge from tubers and they spread by runners.
Soil: Wet, acidic soils.
Pond sides are good.
They need constantly wet soil.
Maintenance: Watch that it doesn’t spread out of control.
Harvest the tubers approximately eight months after you plant them.
Toxicity: While this plant is mildly toxic to humans, it can be very poisonous for dogs, cats, horses and other animals.
Every part of this plant from leaf to stems and roots are toxic since it contains insoluble oxalate crystals, similar to other plants in the Araceae family.
If the sap gets into eyes it may cause redness, pain, burning and swelling.
If any part of the plant is consumed the crystals released can irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort to the throat, and burning pain to the stomach.
Treat with milk or icy poles - symptoms usually diminish over time naturally.
Comments: The tubers can be boiled like potatoes. Yum!
Author: Bob Saunders.
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Here we list businesses who usually sell this plant.
Online Retailers
Gardenarium
Based in South Australia, specialising in mainstream, rare and unusual perennial plants along with roses and ornamental trees.
Delivery to: ACT,NSW,NT,QLD,SA,VIC,WA
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Local Retailers
SA |
Mount Gambier:
Gardenarium |
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