Colocasia esculenta Black Stem

Colocasia esculenta 'Black Stem' is a variety of Elephant Ear that is architectural and elegant. Forming a tall clump of almost black stems topped with immense glossy leaves that are regularly pleated, it is simply stunning. It sometimes blooms in favourable climates, with large yellow spathes that have a fruity fragrance reminiscent of papaya. Even without flowers this surprisingly hardy tropical perennial makes a magnificent indoor plant, terrace plant, or exotic border plant next to a pond. In the garden, provide winter protection and grow in fertile, moist to wet soil, preferably in full sun or partial shade.

Likely originating from India, the Colocasia esculenta, also known as 'true taro', has long since spread to tropical regions in South America and Oceania, and later to tropical Africa. The esculenta variety is native to Polynesia. This rhizomatous perennial plant is a cousin of Arums and Ipomoeas, and belongs to the Araceae family.

The 'Black Stem' cultivar is an imposing herbaceous perennial plant that grows rapidly from a tuberous rhizome, forming a scaly corm covered with thick skin. The mature plant will reach a height of 1.80 m (6ft) with a diameter of 90 cm (35in). It has magnificent, elongated heart-shaped and shiny leaves, either pleated or channelled, in a very dark green with violet veins. The leaf blade can reach 60 cm (24in) long and 50 cm (20in) wide, carried by a long black to violet petiole, sheathing at the base. The leaf surface allows water to slide off, possessing good water-repellent properties. As it grows, the plant branches out from the base, allowing it to remain compact. If you remove an old leaf, two new ones take its place.

In the garden or indoors, Colocasia Black Stem is an easy plant to grow in moist to wet soil. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded location and can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F) with winter protection, which is quite remarkable for a tropical plant! It stands out as a focal point in a contemporary or exotic setting, whether planted in a large container on the terrace or along the edges of a water feature. This voracious and lush plant pairs well with Arums, banana trees, or tree ferns whose magnificence recalls ancient forests. 

True taro is consumed in Africa, China, Polynesia, and several other parts of the world. Its tubers are rich in starch, and its young leaves are consumed like spinach.