Taro 'Black Magic'

A beautiful foliage plant with enormous purple-brown leaves (shaped like elephant ears) and even darker veins and stems. This arum-like plant does not flower in our climate. Keep it moist to wet and frost-free and dry in winter (although extra cover over the tubers often ensures survival in our winters). Taro tubers have been eaten in the tropics since time immemorial; cultivation is hugely popular in Asia and Africa. They contain 25% starch and are virtually immune to diseases. They are boiled, roasted, baked, and fried. In Africa, they are processed into a paste ("fufu"). The leaves are also edible after cooking (great for wrapping meat or fish). Height 1m.

Names:
Latin: Colocasia esculenta
Dutch: Taro
Also known as: Elephant Ear
English: Taro