This rhizomatous clump forming perennial has a stout dark green trunk with long stalked large glossy green arrow-shaped leaves. Throughout the year yellow-green spathes are produced followed by red fruit. It is frost sensitive requiring protection in cool climates.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Alocasia macrorrhizais commonly found from India to Sri Lanka and Malaysia growing in tropical forests along water courses and around swamps.

It prefers a well drained to boggy fertile deep moist sandy to light clay loam that is rich and organic in a shaded to summy protected position and is drought and frost tender.

Giant Elephant's Ear is a large plant that is grown for its foliage and is used in gardens for a tropical effect commonly around a water feature. It is also a popular glasshouse specimen in cold climates. It tolerates cooler weather and establishes from division in 1 to 2 years. It is harder than the other species in the genus and is cultivated for its edible rhizomes and shoots. ID 1323

Alocasia(a-loh-KAY-see-uh) macrorrhiza (mak-roh-RY-zos)

Araceae(a-RAY-see-ee)