Jungle Garden
Alocasia Brancifolia
Alocasia brancifolia (spotted stem)
Scientific Info
This section describes the wild species in this plant's genus, not necessarily this exact plant or growing conditions for a potted specimen. See below for general background only.
All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is toxic fresh and, if eaten, makes the mouth, tongue and throat feel as if hundreds of small needles are digging in to them. However, calcium oxalate is easily broken down either by thoroughly cooking the plant or by fully drying it and, in either of these states, it is safe to eat the plant. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones and hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet.
Alocasia cucullata
Chinese Taro
Alocasia cucullata is an evergreen herbaceous plant with large leaves that can be 40cm long. The plant is occasionally used locally as a food source and medicine. The plant is also sometimes cultivated as an ornamental.
Alocasia macrorrhizos
Giant Taro
Alocasia macrorrhizos is a large, evergreen, herbaceous perennial plant, usually growing 2 - 4 metres tall, occasionally to 5 metres. It has thickened stems that can be 3 metres or more in height and 20cm in diameter, topped with leaves up to 1 metre long. The plant is cultivated in some parts of lowland tropical Asia, mainly for the edible stems but also for the corm.
Alocasia odora
Night Scented Lily
Night scented lily is an evergreen perennial herb growing up to 60cm tall. The plant is used locally as a food, being gathered from the wild. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental.