Colocasia is a genus in the Araceae family. Colocasia esculenta, commonly called Taro or Elephant's Ear, is grown in Hawaii and other Pacific islands for its starchy roots, which are harvested as a staple food.
Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum 'Illustris' has black leaves with green veins and grows well in moist soils in part-shade. It also grows well in full sun if provided with sufficient moisture, like in a bog or at the edge of a pond. Photos taken by Jay Yourch.
Return to the PBS wiki Photographs And Information page