Alocasia cucullata - Chinese Taro

The Alocasia cucullata is distinguished by its upright habit with slender stems and its compact growth. This plant, with its exotic appearance, nicknamed 'Elephant's Ear', will find its place in a flowerbed or a large pot. Its large heart-shaped leaves of a beautiful shiny green are very decorative. It is a rhizomatous perennial not very hardy (up to -7°C), to be grown in a bright and warm interior, in a pot to be stored in winter or in open ground in mild climates.

Native to India, China and Sri Lanka, the Alocasia cucullata is a rhizomatous perennial plant related to Arums, from the same family as araceae. This species grows in tropical forests populated by tall trees and bathed in a humid atmosphere. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that develops from a tuberous rhizome. It forms an upright clump that can reach 1m in height. Its upright stems bear large heart-shaped leaves, of an elegant fresh green. The inflorescence consists of a green spathe and a yellow-green spadix. It is quite rare and only appears late in cultivation, on mature plants, between June and September. This is followed by red berries when ripe.

The Alocasia cucullata is not very hardy. Its cultivation in open ground will be reserved for the mildest climates without forgetting a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect its stump. Elsewhere, it is preferable to grow it in a container and store it in a conservatory in winter. It is also an excellent indoor plant to place in a bright room, not too heated, without direct sunlight. In the garden, this exotic plant will bring a pleasantly exotic touch to a flowerbed. Install it in a semi-shaded area, associated with a banana tree with pink flowers (Musa velutina) and a Canna 'Felix Roux' to add a touch of color. This lover of moist soil will find its place on the banks of a water feature in the company of Iris ensata 'Darling' and Juncus effusus 'Spiralis'.