Colocasia esculenta Fontanesii - Elephant Ears

Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii' forms a clump of large dark green sagittate leaves carried by tall petioles, which are particularly dark. The stump of this large perennial plant can withstand temperatures down to -7°C, but the vegetation disappears as soon as it freezes. In mild climates and if it has been well mulched, it regrows from the stump the following spring. If you live in a region with cold winters, cultivate your elephant's ear in a pot and provide ample and regular watering. Place this variety of Colocasia in a border, a large container on a terrace, or on the banks of a water feature.

From the arum family, Colocasia esculenta, also known as Edible Taro or Taro, is likely native to India and has naturalized in tropical regions of South America and Oceania, and later in tropical Africa. The Colocasia 'Fontanesii' is distinguished by its almost black petioles with dark purple, creating an interesting contrast with its large lance-shaped dark green leaves with prominent veins. The undersides of the leaves are slightly bronzed. The leaves tend to droop under their weight and point towards the ground. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that develops from a tuberous rootstock. The mature plant reaches a height of 1.5 to 1.8 m with a width of 1.2 to 1.5 m. Its summer flowering is rare and consists of a spathe and a spadix in shades of yellow-green.  

Colocasia 'Fontanesii' is a rather easy plant to grow in rich and moist soil, in full sun or partial shade, protected from the scorching sun. This exotic plant with lush foliage is ideal in a "Jungle" and contemporary setting. Give it space, as it can reach impressive dimensions. It can also be planted in a large container on a terrace or on the banks of a water feature in mild climates. Pair this elephant's ear with Canna 'En Avant' with bright yellow flowers and Colocasia 'Mojito' with light green foliage speckled with purple spots for a lush and colourful border.

It is a semi-hardy plant (the stump can withstand temperatures around -7°C). Its vegetation is destroyed as soon as it freezes, but the plant regrows, quite late in spring, from its stump kept almost dry and mulched in winter. In cold climates, prefer container cultivation, which is more practical for overwintering.

The tubers of true taro (Colocasia esculenta) are consumed in Africa, China, Polynesia, and several other parts of the world. They are rich in starch. Its young leaves are also edible and cooked like spinach.