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Genus Colocasia (Taro, Elephant's ear)

Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic' Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

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Common Name: Taro, Elephant's ear

The genus Colocasia includes six species of tuberous perennials from tropical Asia, grown there as a staple food. They are native to swamps and other moist areas and can be used in large aquatic containers in the garden or in the ground in moist soil. The arrow-shaped, sometimes rounded, leaves are large and mostly green, sometimes with prominent veins. Cultivated plants rarely bloom. All plant parts may cause stomach upset if eaten raw, and the sap may irritate skin.
Noteworthy characteristics: Likes wet soil. Large foliage plant. The Hawaiian food poi is made from the tubers.
Care: In the garden, taro needs fertile, organically rich, moist or wet, slightly acidic soil in partial shade. Indoors, grow in bright filtered light and high humidity. Keep tubers dry and frost-free when dormant.
Propagation: Divide in winter or early spring.
Problems: Soft rot, bacterial blight, corm and root rots, and dasheen mosaic virus are common, while aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites also occur.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Colocasia

Colocasia affinis var. jenningsii
(Dwarf elephant's ear) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This little elephant ear has velvety dark leaves with prominent green veins and a large silvery central blotch. It reaches about 2 feet high.

Colocasia esculenta
(Taro) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

A large, showy, marginal aquatic plant with heart-shaped, dark green leaves, taro can reach 5 feet tall and is often grown as a summer annual. Use it in a container or near water.

Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
(Elephant ear, Cocoyam, Dasheen, Taro) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

Rising to about 36 inches, the elephant ear's deep-purple stalks suspend luxurious leaves of the same color. When the leaves’ undersides are dusted with chalky-looking bloom, they have an intriguing, almost gray look. This plant does well in a bog or even in the margins of a water garden, as well as in average garden soil.

Colocasia esculenta 'Coffee Cups'
('Coffee Cups' elephant's ear) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

'Coffee Cups' is an unusual and relatively recent introduction. It has nearly black stems and cup-shaped leaves. 'Coffee Cups' is a vigorous grower, and, with a height of 6 feet, it's a good choice for the back part of a border.

Colocasia esculenta 'Illustris'
('Illustris' elephant's ear, Imperial taro) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

The heart-shaped leaves of 'Illustris' are huge, and their dark highlights are stunning. This elephant ear is a lover of moist shade, but does best with a little dappled sunlight. It will tolerate boggy conditions.