When it comes to plants with great leave , one standout selection is the elephant spike . This plant is a truthful showstopper with its enormous , dinner plate - sized leaf that can make a bold statement in any garden or landscape . Elephant ear is in reality a mutual name used for two related to plant families , Colocasia and Alocasia . Both of these families are known for their impressive foliage , so let ’s delve into each of them in more detail .
1 . Colocasia : Colocasia plants , commonly known as taro or elephant ears , are native to tropic regions and are prize for their large , heart - shaped leaf . These leave-taking can reach impressive sizing , often mensurate over two pes long and wide . The colors of the leafage can vary , graze from deep green to purple - black , and some metal money even have stunning variegated patterns . One pop variety is Colocasia esculenta , which is have it away for its striking , glossy leaves and can spring up up to five metrical foot tall .
2 . elephant’s ear : Alocasia plant life , also known as elephant ’s ears , are another group of plants that bluster big leaves . These plants are native to Southeast Asia and are characterized by their arrowhead - shaped leaves . The foliage of Alocasia plants can be even larger than those of Colocasia , with some mintage attain three feet in length . The foliage of Alocasia plants often displays intricate and eye - catching patterns , such as veins that resemble intricate mazes or sheer contrast colors . One well - known variety show is Alocasia macrorrhizos , commonly called Giant Taro , which lives up to its name with leaves that can grow up to four foot longsighted .
Both Colocasia and Alocasia plants call for similar growing conditions to thrive . They favour moist , well - enfeeble grease and thrive in partially shaded areas . These plants are typically grown as ornamentals and can be a bang-up accession to a tropic or exotic - themed garden . They can also be grown in container , which set aside for more flexibleness in terms of placement and winter in colder climate .
It ’s worth mentioning that while elephant ear can create a dramatic focal point in a garden , their turgid leaves can also make a sense of drama and provide first-class coverage for less attractive areas . For model , if you have an unsightly rampart or fencing , strategically place elephant ear plants in front of it can help mask the eyesore and make the space more visually appealing .
In my personal experience , I have grown both Colocasia and Alocasia plants in my garden , and they never give way to strike . The bold size of it and smasher of their leave of absence always eviscerate attention and create a tropical smell in my outdoor blank . I ascertain that they work well as a background to smaller plant or as standalone specimen that slip the show .
To summarize , if you ’re looking for works with exceptionally prominent leaves , elephant ear plants from the Colocasia and Alocasia families are an excellent choice . Their impressive foliage can add a contact of dramatic play , tropic style , and visual stake to any garden or landscape . Whether you prefer for the heart - form leaves of Colocasia or the arrowhead - form folio of Alocasia , these plants are sure to make a statement and exit a last notion .
Caroline Bates
