Colocasia esculenta x gigantea Noble - Taro

The Colocasia 'Noble Gigante' is a striking variety of Elephant's Ear, both due to its large size and its gigantic leaves that can reach up to 90 cm in length. Their colour varies throughout the seasons and depending on the exposure, but remains in a dark range, between shades of brown, purple, and black. The plant captures all attention, whether used as an indoor plant, to decorate a veranda, or in a large exotic bed in the garden. Well protected, its stump can withstand up to -8°C at its peak.

The Colocasia 'Noble Gigante' was selected in the United States by Brian Williams of Brian's Botanicals in Louisville, Kentucky. It is part of a series of giant and colourful hybrids derived from Colocasia esculente and C. gigantea called Gigantes™. Colocasia belongs to the family of Araceae, being cousins to Arums and Monsteras.

The cultivar 'Noble Gigante' is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows from a tuberous rhizome, forming a scaly corm covered with a thick skin. An adult specimen can reach between 1.8 and 2.4 m in height with a span of 1.50 m in a single season. Its elongated heart-shaped veined leaves measure between 60 and 90 cm in length. Their colour varies depending on the light, season, and age of the leaf. Young leaves often appear in green tones, then gradually turn purple before becoming purplish or blackish. In full sun, they take on a purple-blue hue, while in shade, they display a softer purple with green highlights. The leaf surface is generally matte, with light green veins turning dark purple. The underside transitions from cream beige to red in autumn. Each leaf is carried by a long blackish or purple petiole (stalk), enhancing the plant's theatrical appearance. The leaf surface is water-repellent, allowing water to slide off easily. During its growth, this colocasia branches out from the base, enabling some spreading. By removing an old leaf, two new ones take its place. This magnificent vegetation is deciduous: it emerges in spring and withers in autumn with the onset of cold weather.

The Colocasia 'Noble Gigante' captivates with its majestic habit and large colourful leaves that bring a beautiful "jungle" effect to the garden or indoors. To create a lush setting, plant this Colocasia in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, in a partially shaded spot. Its strong personality pairs perfectly with other exotic species. The Canna 'Musifolia', reaching 2.50 m in height, with small orange flowers, will be a magnificent companion. For a contrast in texture, consider the Fatsia japonica, with its palmate bright green leaves. Complete your "jungle" bed with the Hosta 'Empress Wu', boasting large blue-green leaves. Its massive and imposing foliage will enhance the depth effect of this composition.

True taro is consumed in Africa, China, Polynesia, and several other parts of the world. Its tubers, rich in starch, and young leaves are consumed like spinach.