There have been several posts recently asking about "Elephant Ear" plants. I get a kick out of these because I know Michael F will put up a response asking about "ear wax" or post a photo of a real elephant's ear! I feel basically the same way. "Elephant ear" is a horrible term when talking about plants! A friend just called me asking how to grow an "Elephant ear" in South Carolina. Obviously, I asked what species? He had no idea! Here's the big problem. People use the term "Elephant Ear" to describe plants from the genus Philodendron, genus Alocasia, genus Colocasia, genus Anthurium, genus "Xanthosoma" and probably a bunch of others! That covers well over 4000 plants! So which "Elephant Ear" are you asking about? Most of us haven't a clue! Try this little experiment. Go to Google and type in the search term Elephant Ear plant. When it comes up click on "images" at the top of the page. You'll see photos of every genus I named above! There is page after page of photos! Some of those plants only come from Central America and South America. Some come from the South Pacific. Some come from Southeast Asia. And they all live in somewhat different conditions. Some love to grow in water. Some will die in water. Some like dry conditions but many live in rain forests. Some grow in direct sunlight, others will croak in direct sunlight. Some climb trees, others stand alone. As a result, the term "Elephant Ear" is a really bad term to use when you are asking for advice on how to grow a plant! For anyone to give you good advice they need to know what you are asking about. Now, I know many have no clue what the scientific name of the plants they grow might be. But it is not all that difficult to do a little research first before posting the question. And I'm discouraging you from asking questions. Just give us a little help. Do the little experiment I pointed out above and scroll through the photos. When you find one at least similar in appearance to what you are asking about then note the name before asking your question. Better yet? Post a photo! Many people on this board will recognize the species, or at least the genus, and will be able to give you better information. Now, all we have to do is teach people to use the search engine at the top of this page before asking a question! I often read new posts where the answer was posted just days earlier! I'm certain in the next few months someone, somewhere will ask again about an "Elephant Ear". Go for it Michael!
Re: So you've got a question about "Elephant Ears"? Which one of the several thousan Since not a lot has been posted on specific identification, and you're expecting a contribution, thought you might find this helpful ;-) Identification of elephant ears Identification of elephant ears is difficult, and requires careful observation of the size and surface texture of the 'ears', and of the trunk at the base of the ears. The ivory-coloured structures near the base of the ears can also provide valuable clues. 1. 'ears' largely glabrous or with sparse pubescence . . . . . 2 1. 'ears' densely pubescent, with long brown hairs . . . . . Mammuthus primigenius (extinct) 2. 'ears' large, typically over 1m long; trunk with a bifurcate apex . . . . . Loxodonta africana 2. 'ears' small, typically under 1m long . . . . . . 3 3. trunk with a bifurcate apex; ivory-coloured structures always present . . . . . Loxodonta cyclotis 3. Trunk with a simple blunt-acute apex; ivory-coloured structures often absent in female specimens . . . . . Elephas maximus
Re: So you've got a question about "Elephant Ears"? Which one of the several thousan Great post! Now that ought to confuse the "you know what" out of a lot of people looking for information on "Elephant ears". Can't wait to hear the responses!
Re: So you've got a question about "Elephant Ears"? Which one of the several thousan Just a note to those who are now thorougly confused. Look up the meaning of "pubescence". That may give you a clue to what Michael just said! But then, maybe not.
