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Heart of jesus

How to identify Heart of jesus (Caladium bicolor)

Heart of jesus, also known as Wild eddo, Elephant’s ear

Heart of jesus is distinguished by its lush, arrow-shaped foliage perched on elongate, erect petioles, typically reaching a height of 15-35 inches (38-89 cm). The leaves exhibit striking variegation, with patterns ranging from white, pink, and red, to various shades of green. Often displaying a peltate attachment to the petiole, the leaves are resplendent with coloration that may include a bright contrast of white against a vibrant green or red backdrop. Despite the inconspicuous nature of its flowers and fruits, heart of jesus garners attention through its distinctly colorful leaves, making it a vivid addition to areas with filtered light.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Heart of jesus

1

Large, arrow-shaped leaves with variegation in white, pink, red, and various shades of green.

2

Petioles are elongate, peltate, and erect, equal to or longer than the leaf.

3

Inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers on a spadix within a yellow-green tubular spathe.

4

Small, non-showy green berries maturing to pale tan, hidden behind prominent foliage.

5

Fruits form in clusters on a spadix, containing several tiny seeds, less than 0.5 inches in diameter.

Heart of jesusHeart of jesusHeart of jesusHeart of jesusHeart of jesus

Detailed Traits of Heart of jesus

Leaf Features

Heart of jesus features large, thin, arrow-shaped leaves that vary in size from 7 to 17.5 inches (18 to 45 cm) in length and 4.5 to 10 inches (11 to 25 cm) in width. The leaves are ovate to elliptic with an acute to short-acuminate tip and entire, undulate margins. They exhibit striking variegation with green, white, pink, or red patterns between the veins. The petioles are peltate and elongate, often equal to or longer than the leaf itself.

Leaf Base

Cordate

Heart of jesus Leaf Base image
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Flower Features

Heart of jesus flowers are small and inconspicuous, typically appearing on a spadix surrounded by a tubular, yellow-green spathe. The spathe is around 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length and constricted above the tube. These calla-like blooms are greenish-white and usually odorless. The flowers rarely emerge, and when they do, they are frequently unnoticed due to their lack of vibrant colors and showy appearance. Blooming periods are infrequent and not prominently observed.

Heart of jesus Flower imageHeart of jesus Flower imageHeart of jesus Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Spadix

Heart of jesus Inflorescence Type image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of heart of jesus is a non-showy, small green berry that matures to a pale tan or dry, papery texture. It is typically hidden behind the larger, more prominent foliage and is less than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter. The berries form in clusters on a spadix, which is shrouded by the plant's characteristic leaf-like spathe. These fruits are more of a botanical interest rather than ornamental and contain several tiny seeds.

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Key Facts About Heart of jesus

Attributes of Heart of jesus
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
15 cm to 61 cm
Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green
White
Red
Yellow
Variegated
Gold
Flower Size
10 cm to 13 cm
Flower Color
White
Green
Yellow
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Heart of jesus

Family
Arum
Icon allow
Species
Heart of jesus (Caladium bicolor)
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Distribution Map of Heart of jesus

The heart of jesus plant originated in Central and South America, growing in tropical rainforests. It is widely cultivated for planting in subtropical and tropical regions, including certain parts of the US, as an ornamental garden plant.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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