‘Green Taro’ Aquatic Plant

Green taro, also known as elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta), is a striking tropical plant celebrated for its impressive, heart-shaped green leaves that can reach up to three feet in height and width, resembling the ears of an African elephant. This plant adds a vibrant touch to water gardens, especially when swayed by the summer breeze. In cooler northern climates, it can be brought indoors during winter, making it a versatile choice for indoor displays. Valued for both its ornamental appeal and its edible tubers, which serve as a staple food in many tropical areas, green taro flourishes in moist to wet soil and thrives in conditions ranging from partial shade to full sun, whether planted in ponds, containers, or directly in the ground.

Taro is the most extensively grown species among various plants in the Araceae family, valued for its edible corms, leaves, stems, and petioles. This versatile vegetable serves as a dietary staple across numerous cultures in Africa, Oceania, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, much like yams. Historically, taro is considered one of the earliest cultivated plants. However, it is important to note that raw taro is toxic and must be cooked before consumption. Taro corms can be prepared in a variety of ways, including steaming, boiling, frying, roasting, or mashing, and they can also be processed into a paste or powder.