Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Elephant's Ear




Xanthosoma sagittifolium
  Elephant's Ear
This is a lime- green leaf form of this South American perennial aroid and is a real highlight plant to use in shady tropical style gardens. In full sun, the leaves turn an acid yellow and don't suffer from any sun burn which makes it great to use as a filler between Cannas or amongst Hibiscus and other colourful shrubs. .Unlike Colocasia esculenta , taro, to which it is related Xanthosoma prefer a drier growing spot and will not tolerate water logged soils as its tubers can rot under such conditions. In winter it becomes semi dormant but does not completely die down. Old leaves can be pruned off before growth recommences in spring.
2017 update: I no longer have this plant.



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