Black Bat Flower
Tacca chantrieri
Also known as
Devil flower, Cat's whiskers, Bat flower
Tacca chantrieri489542402 by Jef Poskanzer (CC BY 2.0)
Partial Shade
Advanced care
Moderate watering
Tender
12b
USDA zone
13°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1.2m | Max | 1.2m |
50cm | Min | 50cm |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
More images of Black Bat Flower
Black Bat Flower Overview
Tacca chantrieri is an unusual perennial from the Dioscoreaceae family. It produces amazing, large, black-purple, spider-like flowers with long whisker-like structures, hence it is commonly called Black Bat Flower or Cat's Whiskers, amongst other names. Originating from tropical regions in Southeast Asia, the natural range of this species includes Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China in the Yunnan Province. This tender, rhizomatous plant likes high humidity and partially shaded conditions, grow in moist, well-draining soil for optimal growth.
Common problems with Black Bat Flower
How to propagate Black Bat Flower
Division
You can propagate by dividing the rhizomes or from seed.
Rhizomes
Seed
Special features of Black Bat Flower
Attracts butterflies
Attracts bees
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Black Bat Flower
Grown for their curious flowers.
