Xanthosoma violaceum

Description

Xanthosoma violaceum, the ‘Violet or Blue Taro’ is an exciting member of the ‘Elephant Ears’ family alongside the well known Colocasia and Alocasia species. Xanthosoma violaceum probably originates from the warm jungles of South America but has been cultivated for so long throughout the tropics as a versatile food plant that it’s hard to be sure. There is a more common form, known as Xanthosoma sagittifolium which has far less elegant plain green stems and leaves and there’s some dispute as the to the correct naming of Xanthosoma violaceum. Whatever your thoughts the ‘Blue Taro’ is a very beautiful and accommodating plant with highly attractive purple-blue coloured stems and veining and a deep dark bluish black, green leaf. Although like most in this family it is not hardy but can be grown outside during the frost free months to great effect with large heart shaped leaves over 30cm long the plants reaching 100-150cm tall, all very spectacular. Unlike some of its fussy cousins Xanthosoma violaceum seems to be one of the easier ‘Elephant Ears’ to overwinter, remaining evergreen as a houseplant given a little warmth and protection from frost. In fact it could make a rather special house or conservatory plant year round if you wish; the plants we grow at our nursery always look good during winter with a minimum temperature of 8 degrees centigrade. As with all ‘Elephant Ears’ they love moisture and feed when in growth during the warmer months whilst preferring to be kept just on the dry side of moist in winter.

A really spectacular exotic plant for summer jungle plantings which is easy to care for, one of our favourites and all produced here at our nursery.