Alocasia macrorrizhos, is a broadleaf plant from the arum family or Araceae. This plant is a plant originating from the islands of Borneo (Malaysia and Indonesia), India and Sri Lanka. From the latest discoveries, Alocasia macrorrizhos was also found in the forests of the Philippines. This plant has long been cultivated on many Pacific islands and in other tropical areas.
Alocasia macrorrizhos
Alocasia macrorrizhos, has other names, such as “Borneo Giant”, “Giant Taro”, “Elephant Taro”, in Kalimantan as “kujang biha”, while in various regions of Polynesia it has various names such as “kape” (Niuean and Tongan), “ape” (the language of the Māori, Tahiti and Hawaiian Cook Islands), Samoan “ta’amu”, Tuvaluan “pulaka” and in Australia as “”cunjevoi” which is named after an Australian marine animal.
Some varieties of Alocasia macrorrizhos in Tahiti:
Alocasia macrorirrhos var. what's up
Alocasia macrorirrhos var. haparu
Alocasia macrorirrhos var. maota
Alocasia macrorirrhos var. uaheaAlocasia macrorrizhos has a sap that can cause skin irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals or raphides.
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Plantae
Angiosperms
Monocots
Alismatales
Araceae
Aroideae
Colocasiae
Alocasia Schott
Alocasia macrorrizhos (L) G. Don
Synonyms:
- Alocasia indica (Lour.) Spach
- Alocasia macrorrhizos var. rubra (Hassk.) Furtado
- Alocasia macrorrhizos var. variegate (K.Koch & C.D.Bouché) Furtado
- Alocasia plumbea Van Houtte
- Alocasia variegata K.Koch & C.D.Bouché
- Arum indicum Lour.
- Arum macrorrhizon L.
- Colocasia indica (Lour.) Kunth
Alocasia macrorrizhos, stems are thick and erect, on land it prefers the growth of stems can reach 2-4 m in length with a diameter of about 20 cm and leaf width can reach more than 1 m. The stems of this plant can be eaten by peeling and used as a vegetable, it can be added to soups. Bulbs can also be eaten by boiling until cooked.
Alocasia macrorrizhos likes tropical areas below 1000 m and somewhat warm. Likes the shade, but in the open will also grow well, especially in slightly moist soil. Besides being able to be consumed as food, it is also used as an ornamental plant which is very suitable to be placed in the yard in front of the house. If planted in a pot, this plant will usually be difficult to grow big.