Arrowleaf elephant's ear - Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Care, Characteristics, Invasive, Images)

Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Also known as: American taro, Purplestem tannia, Blue taro, Yellow yautia, Arrowleaf elephant ear, Green Arrow Elephant Ears, New Cocoyam, Barbados Nut Eddoe

Arrowleaf elephant's ear (*Xanthosoma sagittifolium*) is a herbaceous perennial that can grow from 3 to 3.5 m tall. It has large, blue-green, arrow-shaped leaves that resemble an elephant’s ear. The leaves can grow to 91 cm long, much larger than most elephant ear plants. It prefers partial to full shade.

Scientific classification

Species

Arrowleaf elephant's ear (Xanthosoma sagittifolium)

Water plantains and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

2 m to 2.5 m

Plant Height

60 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

Green, White, Yellow

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Distribution of Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Distribution Map

Arrowleaf elephant's ear is widely cultivated and occurs both as a native and introduced species across various continents. In its native range, arrowleaf elephant's ear can be found in regions that encompass parts of South America and Central America. The plant has also been introduced to territories spanning from Southeast Asia to the Pacific Islands, as well as areas in Africa and the Caribbean. In certain places such as the Pacific Islands and parts of South and Central America, arrowleaf elephant's ear may have an impact on local ecosystems, though its introduction does not universally lead to significant ecological disruptions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Tropical rainforest

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Tropical, stiff, internal.

Interesting Facts

Xanthosoma sagittifolium produces an edible corm; a corm is similar to a root or a tuber but is technically part of the plant’s stem. Arrowleaf elephant's ear is also sometimes known as the American taro because it plays a similar culinary role to the starchy root vegetable.

Name Story

Arrowleaf elephant's ear: The arrowleaf elephant's ear comes by its common name quite honestly: the large, attractive green leaves look like particularly pointed elephant’s ears. The plant’s specific epithet “sagittifolium” also means “arrow-shaped.”

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Toxicity

All parts of the arrowleaf elephant's ear plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, causing skin rash, mouth, lips, and digestive tract damage if handled or ingested. Symptoms in humans include nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The plant is toxic to both cats and dogs, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if ingested by pets.

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Care Guide for Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Arrowleaf elephant's ear thrives in humid, tropical environments, requiring evenly moist soil without waterlogging. Weekly watering maintains its health. As an evergreen often grown indoors, it benefits from high humidity, achievable through misting or using a pebble tray.

Fertilize: Fertilize arrowleaf elephant's ear every 4-6 weeks with high-nitrogen fertilizer at 1/4 to 1/2 strength during the growing season. Reduce frequency in winter. Use well-balanced, slow-release fertilizers and consider organic options like compost to promote healthy growth and avoid root burn.

Pruning: Arrowleaf elephant's ear features large, arrow-shaped leaves and requires minimal pruning. Conduct pruning from early to late spring, focusing on dead or damaged leaves to enhance aesthetics and health. Using clean, sharp tools aids in preventing infections while promoting robust growth and a tidy appearance.

Propagation: Arrowleaf elephant's ear propagates best in Spring using tubers, with moderate difficulty. Success is marked by new leaf growth. Promote root development through consistent moisture and warmth.

Repotting: Repot arrowleaf elephant's ear annually in spring, using a slightly larger container to prevent overwatering. Ensure high humidity and indirect light after repotting to reduce stress. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a warm tone for optimal growth of arrowleaf elephant's ear.

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Images of Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Distribution of Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Culture

Toxicity

Care Guide for Arrowleaf elephant's ear

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