Colocasia Pink China

Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China' is a variety of Elephant Ear that appears to be particularly hardy, well adapted to cool climates, regrowing from the crown from below -12°C (10.4°F). Of medium size and prolific, it stands out for its long, stunning bright pink petioles bearing large green leaves with a bluish sheen. This perennial plant with tropical origins will bring all the luxuriance of its original lands to our urban gardens and terraces. It is also a very beautiful indoor plant, which, like monstera deliciosa, will become a centrepiece over time in a colonial-exotic, vintage, contemporary, English or traditional-style decor.

Originating from India, the Colocasia esculenta, also called True Taro or Edible Taro, spread a long time ago to the tropical regions of South America and Oceania, and later in tropical Africa. This rhizomatous perennial plant is a cousin of Arums and Ipomoeas and belongs to the Araceae family. The 'Pink China' cultivar is a safe bet, endowed with an exceptional ability to withstand cold and wet weather and a strong propensity to sucker from its tuberous rhizome. The bushy mature plant will measure an average of 1.25 m (4ft) high and 90 cm (35in) in diameter, with magnificent, slightly elongated heart-shaped leaves, a slightly chalky, bluish green, veined with light green, tinged with pink. The leaf blade can reach 60 cm (24in) long and 40 cm (16in) wide, carried by a long pink-purple petiole, sheathing at the base. The surface of the leaves allows water to slide off with its good water repellency. During its growth, the plant branches out from the base and produces numerous sucker tubers that give rise to vigorous young plants. When you remove an old leaf, two new ones take its place.

In the garden or house, 'Pink China' Colocasia is a tropical plant that is very easy to grow even in wet and cool climates. It likes a sunny or semi-shaded exposure and is very resistant to frost if protected under a thick mulch. It stands out as a focal point in any decor, in the garden, the house, or on a veranda. It is a marvel planted in a large pot on the terrace, balcony, or patio, or on the banks of a pond. This voracious plant gets along well with cannas, arums (Zantedeschia aethiopica), banana trees, Gunnera, or tree ferns whose magnificence recalls ancient forests.

The 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 eaten like spinach.