COLOCASIA is a genus of plants with tubers or rhizomes belonging to the Araceae Family. They are native to south east Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Colocasia leaves emerge on thick stalks from corms or tubers just beneath the surface.

Also known as Taro or elephant ears, Colocasia has been cultivated as a staple food in many parts of the world for centuries and is one of the most important root vegetable food crops in the world.

Intoduced to South Africa by Portugeuse traders in the 1500s, ‘Collocasa Esculenta’ is commonly known as Amadumbe.

ALOCASIA is a diverse genus with Heart-shaped leaves on thick stalks in a variety of colour palettes. A prominent feature of Colocasia leaves is ’hydrophobicity’ appearing almost waterproof and repelling water.

Closely related to Colocasia are Alocasia which belong to the same family (Aroids) and share similar characteristics. To tell the genus apart, look at the leaves, Colocasia are known to hold the tips of their leaves down whereas Alocasias are known to hold the tip of their leaves out or upwards.

COLOCASIA are a much loved favourite at The Jungle Nursery, with many diverse cultivars, shapes, textures and colours to add to any Jungle, there truly is a COLOCASIA for everyone!