Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Also known as
Aivi, Bleeding Heart, Cocoyam, Dasheen, Eddo, Egyptian Ginger, Elephant Ears, Imo, Kalo, Keladi, Talas, Callaloo, Dalo, Wild Taro
Photo by Eden Project (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
12b
USDA zone
13°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 1.5m |
1m | Min | 1m |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Taro
Taro Overview
Colocasia esculenta is a tuberous, evergreen perennial that has long-stalked, arrow to heart-shaped leaves reaching up to 1m in height! It is often found growing along river banks and has a dormant period during the dry season in places like South Africa. You may identify species from this genus by their large leaves which point downwards. In comparison, the related genus Alocasia features plants which have their leaves pointing upwards. Colocasia species may be used effectively as marginal plantings in ponds and lakes. They grow best in full sunlight and thrive in wet soil.
Common problems with Taro
How to propagate Taro
Division
Special features of Taro
Attractive leaves
Other uses of Taro
Culinary