Colocasia, Variegated Elephant Ear, Taro 'Elepaio'

Colocasiaesculenta

Family
Araceae (a-RAY-see-ee)
Genus
Colocasia (kol-oh-KAY-see-uh)
Species
esculenta (es-kew-LEN-tuh)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Good Fall Color
Smooth
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Inconspicuous/none
Bloom Time
N/A
Other Details
Category
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
Seed Collecting
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Maitland, Florida

Orange Springs, Florida

Cordele, Georgia

Olive Branch, Mississippi

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina

Fort Worth, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

4
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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S
S
Raleigh, NC (Zone 7a) | April 2010 | positive

The name Elepaio is a Hawaiian bird.

T
Elizabeth City, NC (Zone 8a) | April 2009 | positive

GREAT plant. Gives the garden a nice tropical look

M
Erwin, TN (Zone 7a) | December 2007 | positive

This is an edible Taro, --it is good for making grey Poi, --The leaves can be cooked [well, with some salt added to the water] for greens, --

S
S
(Zone 7b) | January 2006 | positive

Named after the rare Hawaiian flycatcher bird, this very rare, small-growing elephant ear is one of the classic old Hawaiian cultivars. C...Read More

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