Caladium, is a group of plants from the Araceae family. In Indonesia this group of plants is commonly referred to as Keladi. While in Europe, this plant is referred to as the “elephant ear” (elephant ear). “angel wings” and “Heart of Jesus”. Caladium is still closely related to Alocasia, Colocasia and Xanthosoma.
One of the most popular species is Caladium bicolor, a plant native to South America, which has more than 1000 cultivars.
Caladium grows in open areas of the forest and on the banks of rivers, in the dry season it is usually dormant. In wild plants it grows to a height of about 40-90 cm and leaf area can reach 15-45 cm.
Classification:
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Genus:
Plantae
Angiosperms
Monocots
Alismatales
Araceae
Aroideae
Caladiea
Caladium Vent
Some of the genus Caladium can be used as ornamental plants. Since the late 18th century Caladium has been cultivated, especially those that have an attractive appearance with a pattern of variations in white, pink, and red.
Caladiums require moderate watering (moist, not too wet), mostly prefer shady places. In recent years many new varieties have become available through breeding and most of them are more resistant to disease.
Some species of the genus Caladium:
Caladium andreanum Bogner
Caladium bicolor (Aiton) Vent.
Caladium coerulescens G.S. Bunting
Caladium humboldtii (Raf.) Schott
Caladium lindenii (Andrรฉ) Madison
Caladium macrotites Schott
Caladium picturatum K.Koch & C.D.Bouchรฉ
Caladium schomburgkii Schott
Caladium smaragdinum K.Koch & C.D.Bouchรฉ
Caladium steyermarkii G.S. Bunting
Madison caladium ternatum
Caladium tuberosum (S. Moore) Bogner & Mayo