Colocasia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. It is native to southeastern Asia and the India. In English it is called Elephant Ear or Taro. The generic name is derived from the Greek word kolokasion, which was used for the edible roots of both Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera. Esculenta, means “edible” in Latin. The edible roots of Colocasia esculenta have been cultivated in Asia for more than ten thousand years. In Turkiye, Colocasia esculenta is locally known as “Gölevez” and mainly grown on the Mediterranean coasts of Alanya.

Colocasias are herbaceous, perennial plants with a large corm on or just below the ground surface. Large leaves are up to 150 cm long. The Elephant Ear plant gets its name from the leaves, which are shaped like a huge ear.

The plant reproduces mostly by means of rhizomes.  Dividing should bi done in winter or early spring. It also produces “clusters of two to five fragrant inflorescenes in the leaf axils”.

Colocasia esculenta is a tropical plant grown primarily for its edible corms, the root vegetables most commonly known as taro. Taro’s primary use is the consumption of its edible corm and leaves. Like other members of the family, leaves and rhizomes contain of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals along with other irritants. If the stem is digested row, 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.

Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’ is a variety, which has dark purple, almost black, heart-shaped leaves. Loves wet conditions. It is also sold as an ornamental aquatic plant.

Elephant Ear ‘Black Magic’ is not very frost hardy, can withstand mild frost. Anywhere colder than Mediaterean coast should be treated like summer blooming bulbs. After frost kills the top growth, bulbs should be dig up and dried in open shade. Hang them in well-ventilated sacks in a dry, cool place.

When spring arrives, plant the bulbs in 3-10 lt pots and put them in a greenhouse to give them an early start. Grow in a warm greenhouse or outdoors at a pool margin, in a moist border, or in large aquatic containers.

Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’ generally do best and reach their most attractive proportions in full sun, but can tolerate partial to full shade outdoors and still thrive. Indeed, locating specimens in shade is preferable in regions that experience lots of heat and low humidity during the growing season.

Use in Landscape: The enormous elongated heart-shaped leaves of Elephant’s Ears make them useful accents in beddings, large containers and water gardens. Seldom seen flowers resemble trumpet-like Callas. Best in climates with hot and humid summers. Heat and water loving, it can be grown outdoors year round in frost-free climates. Elsewhere, lift and store tubers in the fall.