Alocasia is a genus of broad-leaved, rhizomatous or tuberous flowering perennials from the Araceae (arum) family. There are about 80 species native to tropical and subtropical Asia to Eastern Australia. Alocacia macrorrhizos is a species of Alocasia genus. It is native to tropical forests in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and Queensland where it grows in the forest understory in openings and along streams. Common names include Giant Taro and Elephants Ear. Domesticated Elephant Ear originated from the Philippines.

Alocasia macrorrhizos is a massive perennial with large cordate or sagittate leaves up to 160 cm in length and 100 cm wide. The leaves are glossy green with paler veins. Leaf stalks (petioles) are 60-120 cm long. On the underside the veins are prominent and raised. This foliage creates a very exotic and tropical atmosphere and as the plant matures it forms a thick brownish trunk. The stem will reach for up to 200 cm.

The araceous flowers of Elephant Ear grow at the end of a short stalk, but are not noticeable; often hidden behind the leaf petioles. The flowers are white to crème. Mature plants start to produce offsets which can be easily transplanted. The rhizomes may get 20 centimetres in diameter. Plants can be reproduced by seeds, offsets, cuttings of the rhizomes and stems.

The stem is edible, but contains of calcium oxalate crystals along with other irritants that can numb and swell the tongue and pharynx resulting in difficult breathing, and sharp throat pain. Prolonged boiling before serving or processing may reduce these risks.

There are some variegated elephant ears called Alocasia macrorrhizo ‘variegata’. When fully grown, this beautiful elephant ears has gorgeous glossy leaves up to 1 metre long, each of which are beautifully marbled with tones of green, cream and white.

Elephant Ear requires continual warmth and humidity.  The soil should be rich but well drained, and the plant appreciates frequent watering, and can tolerate shallow flooding. However, when the plant is young and small, too much water, particularly if the weather is cold, will rot the tuber. Partial shade is ideal, and Alocasia macrorrhizo can tolerate almost full shade. It likes lots of fertilizer. This is not a salt tolerant plant. This tropical perennial is a little more cold hardy than many of its relatives. Freezing temperatures damage the leaves but the trunk sprouts new ones if it hasn’t fallen below about -4 ºC.

Use in Landscape: Elephant Ear is distinctly exotic and tropical plant that they are increasingly becoming popular as house and greenhouse plants. If you need a bold and imposing foliage plant for a tropical or subtropical shady background, Alocasia macrorrhizo is the one to be chosen. It is often grown in wet situations. It can be used in landscapes at Mediterranean countries.

Elephant Ear is cultivated throughout the tropics for its edible rhizomes and shoots.