Colocasia Madeira

Colocasia madeira is a stunning new variety of Elephant's Ear, selected in the U.S.A. This amazing, compact perennial plant with an exotic appearance is actually hardier than it seems. Forming a lush clump with a slightly trailing habit, it is simply superb, draped in its abundant pleated and velvety black foliage, veined with blue and suspended from beautiful pink to red petioles. This plant is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F) and can be grown in the garden, with winter protection, or as an indoor plant. It prefers moist to wet soils, and a sunny exposure to intensify the black of its large leaves.

Originating from India, the Colocasia esculenta, also known as 'true taro', spread long ago in the tropical regions of South America and Oceania, and later in tropical Africa. This rhizomatous perennial plant is a cousin of Arums and Ipomoeas and belongs to the Araceae family. The cultivar 'Madeira' is a very compact American selection, according to the grower it is capable of surviving the winters in Kentucky, i.e., USDA zone 6b. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that develops from a tuberous rhizome, forming a scaly corm covered with thick skin. The mature plant will not exceed 90cm (35in) high and 70-90cm (28-35in) in diameter. It has magnificent leaves an elongated heart-shape, initially green veined with blue, then taking on a much darker shade. The thick, pleated or channelled leaves are soft like velvet, suede or velour. Their back colour is enhanced by direct sunlight. The leaf can reach 50cm (20in) long and 35cm (14in) wide, carried by a long pink-red-violet petiole, sheathing at the base. The leaf surface allows water to slide off with its good water-repellent properties. During its growth, the plant branches out from the base, which allows it to remain compact. When you remove an old leaf, two new ones take its place. Summer flowering in the form of delicately scented pale yellow spathes resembling those of Arums, is rare.

In the garden as well as in the house, Colocasia Madeira is a spectacular yet easy-to-grow plant. It thrives in sunny exposures and fertile, moist soils, and can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F), which is quite an achievement for a tropical plant! It stands out as a focal point in a contemporary or exotic setting, whether planted in a large container on the terrace or along the banks of a water feature. This voracious plant pairs well with Arums, banana plants (Musa basjoo), or tree ferns whose magnificence recalls prehistoric forests.

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