Colocasia Species, Black Taro, Black Stem Elephant Ear, Violet Stemmed Taro
Colocasiaantiquorum

Family: Araceae (a-RAY-see-ee)
Genus: Colocasia (kol-oh-KAY-see-uh)
Species: antiquorum (an-ti-KWOR-um)

Synonym:Colocasia fontanesii

Synonym:Colocasia gaoligongensis

Synonym:Colocasia gongii

Synonym:Colocasia lihengiae

Synonym:Colocasia tonoimo

Category
Bulbs
Ponds and Aquatics
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

Sun Exposure
Light Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous
This plant is resistant to deer
Textured

Foliage Color

Height
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)

Spacing
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
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)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Bright Yellow

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Blooms repeatedly

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