Tacca integrifolia

Tacca integrifolia, commonly known as the White Bat Flower, is even more impressive than its close relative, Tacca chantrieri. This large species produces an impressive flower in the summer, with large white bracts veined with green, adorned with small dark pendulous flowers and very long purple and white filaments. This majestic inflorescence is borne on a stem emerging from a tuft of lush, dark green foliage. Fascinating, it is a plant native to the tropical forests of Asia that should be cultivated in a veranda or warm greenhouse with a humid atmosphere, in a very bright location, but without direct sunlight.

Tacca integrifolia belongs to the family Taccaceae, which consists of the only genus Tacca. It is a rhizomatous perennial species native to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In the wild, it is found growing in rainforests, on acidic and humus-rich soil, in a highly humid environment. Under good growing conditions, it reaches a height of 1.20m (4ft) when flowering, with foliage reaching 80cm (32in) in height.

The plant develops from thick rhizomes. It forms a clump of basal leaves, borne on 40cm (16in) long petioles, with entire, elongated ovate laminae measuring up to 80cm (32in) in length and 25cm (10in) in width. The leaves are glabrous, bright green and shiny, with visible veins. In our climates, flowering occurs from June to August. Only plants aged 2 or 3 years produce inflorescences. This "bat flower" gets its name from its unique inflorescence, which resembles the small mammal in silhouette. The flowers are dark purple, consisting of 5 petals, grouped in clusters (up to 25 flowers) in the centre of four reddish-brown bracts, two of which, in the outer position, are particularly developed. These two bracts are white with green veins, often tinged with purple at the base. Each flower pedicel produces very long trailing filaments, 35cm (14in) in length, transitioning from purple to white, forming a shooting star's tail. The fruits are berries that contain numerous small seeds.

The White Bat Flower is a plant for experienced gardeners, a curiosity to be admired up close, protected from cold and scorching sun, in a heated and humid greenhouse or conservatory, without direct sunlight. It boasts beautiful foliage and offers one of the most interesting flowers in the plant kingdom. As such, it can only inspire fascination and interest in those who contemplate it. However, it can sometimes be temperamental and demanding in terms of growing conditions. When it is happy, this plant develops, flowers abundantly, and even produces offshoots. When something is lacking, it slowly weakens and eventually disappears. Unfortunately, the only way to know if you can provide it with good growing conditions is through trial and error. It is important to keep in mind that this plant originates from hot and humid tropical areas of Asia and experiences some dryness during its dormant period in winter in our latitudes.