Identification: Colocasia / Alocasia? Help appreciated!

Discussion in 'Araceae' started by JayB, Mar 31, 2018.

  1. JayB

    JayB New Member

    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Malaysia
    Hi folks,

    Perhaps someone with greater expertise than me can help ID this tropical plant?

    Here are all the clues I can muster:

    a) The height averages around 3-4 feet, full-grown. The leaves are almost circular, and do not exceed 6-7 inches in diameter.

    b) I have seen this plant grown in water (rooted in soil), as a pond ornamental. Hence it’s probably a wetland plant in its original habitat, perhaps from SE Asia (not sure). It can also be grown potted up in soil.

    c) The fleshy stems closely resemble those of elephant ear plants, and emit a pungent but pleasant odor when cut (a sharp, fruity scent.)

    Its aquatic tolerance and stems make me lean towards it being some kind of Colocasia / Alocasia / Xanthosoma, or a near relative?

    (The first photo angle may be misleading, it’s not the Colocasia species known as “tea cup”, as it’s smaller and uniformly green, and the leaves are not ruffled.)

    Any thoughts?
     

    Attached Files:

Share This Page