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Colocasia Madeira

Colocasia x esculenta Madeira
Taro, Elephant Ear, Cocoyam, Eddo, Dasheen

4,2/5
9 reviews
1 reviews
0 reviews
2 reviews
1 reviews

To see... The delivery was careless, the substrate was very shaken and no significant bulb was visible. I have restored the pot, but I am skeptical about its proper development. I have seen much better for colo at the same time... Let's wait a few weeks for everything to warm up.

Kevin , 21/02/2024

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

This small and compact Colocasia is simply superb with its foliage taking on an almost black colour in the sun, with a velvety finish. Its young leaves are green, veined with blue and carried by beautiful red petioles. This perennial plant is hardy down to -12°C (10.4°F) and can be grown indoors, or in the garden with winter protection, in moist to wet soil, in the sun.
Flower size
7 cm
Height at maturity
90 cm
Spread at maturity
70 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
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Best planting time March to May
Recommended planting time March to June
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Flowering time July to August
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Description

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.  

Colocasia Madeira in pictures

Colocasia Madeira (Foliage) Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time July to August
Inflorescence Spadix
Flower size 7 cm
Fragrance slightly scented, Delicate fragrance.
Flowering description Flowers are quite rare.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour black

Plant habit

Height at maturity 90 cm
Spread at maturity 70 cm
Growth rate normal

Safety measures

Potential risks Plant that can cause skin and mucous membrane reactions

Botanical data

Genus

Colocasia

Species

x esculenta

Cultivar

Madeira

Family

Araceae

Other common names

Taro, Elephant Ear, Cocoyam, Eddo, Dasheen

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference829071

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Planting and care

Plant Colocasia in a sunny or partially shaded position. They require moist and fertile soil, with a slightly acidic pH and a good amount of organic matter, without excessive limestone, and appreciate nitrogen-rich fertilizer. You can plant Colocasia in large containers, with regular and generous watering during the growing season, and reduced watering in winter. If the atmosphere is too dry in winter, the plants may be attacked by red spider mites. Usually grown as greenhouse or conservatory plants, they are actually quite hardy perennials (tolerating temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) for 'Madeira'). You can grow them in the garden, by mulching the base well in winter. If the soil becomes waterlogged in winter, the rootstock may rot, so it is important to ensure good drainage by incorporating coarse sand or pumice into the planting soil and at the bottom of the hole. Watch out for attacks from slugs and snails, which love to feast on the young leaves.

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Planting period

Best planting time March to May
Recommended planting time March to June

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge, Pond edge
Type of use Border, Container, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Planting density 3 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil, fertile, well-drained.

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,2/5

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