How to identify Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
Taro, also known as Yam, Madhumbe, Magogoya, Arbi, Caladium, Malanga , Coco yam, Dasheen
Taro exhibits a lush assemblage of large, heart-shaped leaves, often measuring about 2 feet (60 cm) in length and width. These glossy leaves are borne on sturdy, succulent stems, which can reach heights of up to 4 feet (120 cm). Each leaf unfurls in a rich green hue, with distinct veining apparent on the surface, contributing to its prominent appearance within its habitat.
Lifespan: Perennial, Annual
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Large heart-shaped leaves measuring 2 feet (60 cm) in length and width.
Distinctive inflorescences with cream to golden yellow spathe, 13-24 cm (5-9.5 inches) long.
Thick, short stem forming a tuber, with rough, fibrous surface and ring-like scars.
Fleshy petiole measuring 10-31 inches (25-80 cm) extending from leaf center.
Yellow-brown berries in clusters with globoid shape and slightly glossy surface when ripe.
The leaves of taro are very large, reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length, and range from heart-shaped to arrow-shaped with prominent veins. The apex is obtuse, while the base is between cordate and auriculate. A thick, fleshy petiole, green or sometimes purple, extends from the center of the leaf (peltate) and measures 10-31 inches (25-80 cm). The leaves are smooth, often drooping downwards, and exhibit a variety of colors and patterns.
Taro has distinctive inflorescences featuring a white or yellow spadix enveloped by a greenish or yellow spathe. The spathe is cream to golden yellow, measuring 13 to 24 cm (5 to 9.5 inches) in length, and is longer than the spadix. These inflorescences can appear solitarily or in clusters of up to three. The flowers themselves are borne on the spadix, with no notable fragrance. Blooming is rare and typically occurs during the warm season.
The stem of taro is thick, short, and robust, forming a tuber that can grow up to 13.8 inches (35 cm) in length and 5.9 inches (15 cm) in width. Its surface is rough and fibrous with noticeable ring-like scars. The color of the stem is typically brownish with a somewhat dark, earthy undertone. The stem's texture and distinct markings are key identifiers for taro, making it distinguishable from other plant species.
The fruit of taro is a botanically classified berry that exhibits a yellow-brown hue at maturity. Typically, these berries aggregate together in a cluster. Each berry is small and globoid in shape, presenting a somewhat bumpy texture. Upon ripening, the surface becomes slightly glossy, adding to the fruit's distinctive appearance. These fruits are not commonly consumed as they hold little culinary value and are overshadowed by the plant’s more prominent edible parts.
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Scientific Classification of Taro
