Colocasia esculenta
Taro
Photo: Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
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Description
Taro, botanically *Colocasia esculenta*, is a warm‑loving tuberous plant from the tropics with large, heart‑shaped leaves. Both the tubers and the leaves contain raw calcium oxalate and are toxic when raw, irritating the mouth and throat and potentially causing swelling; they are safe only when adequately cooked. The plant is also popular as an ornamental due to its striking foliage, but the harvest is worthwhile only with a long, warm season.
Care instructions
Taro requires consistently moist, nutrient‑rich soil and tolerates briefly waterlogged feet. A sunny to semi‑shaded, wind‑protected location is best. Plant the tubers only after the danger of nights below 10 °C has passed, usually from mid‑May (week 20), as even light frost permanently damages the plant. Water regularly and keep the potting soil from drying out completely; during vigorous growth, add organic compost as a side dressing. Before the first autumn frost, either dig up the tubers or keep the entire pot in a frost‑free, dark place at about 10–15 °C. Remove yellowed or damaged leaves regularly to keep the plant healthy and prevent rot.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, loamy
Feeding
Heavy feeder
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