Sunday, November 15, 2009

What is the scientific name for an elephant ear plant?

It is a plant, grenn, with big leaves!!!

What is the scientific name for an elephant ear plant?
That's a real good question. Elephant Ears is a common name that can be applied to several different plants.





The most probable one is Alocasia, this is a tropical plant. It is sometimes grown as a houseplant or in a conservatory. If it is used in a cooler area (USDA Hardiness zone 8 or cooler), it would have to be protected or lifted and stored.





Another likely candidate is Colocasia, it too is a tropical plant. The leaf size is somewhat smaller than Alocasia, though that may vary from cultivar to cultivar. It is hardy to USDA hardiness zone 8. Besides green, several forms are available with black leafs.





This is a little bit of a stretch, but Caladium is a possibly. These are very much smaller than the previous two, and less hardy (USDA hardiness zone 10 or warmer!). Their leaves are usually brightly colored, but I'm sure green forms exist.





Though a long shot, either Syngonium or Sagittaria might also be called elephant ears.





It is interesting, our friend Sefton says that Bergenia is called elephant ears in England, in the USA it's called pig squeak. In addition, there are some large leafed Hostas or even Petesites that might also be called Elephant Ears. That just goes to show you, common names are a dime a dozen.





I hope that this helps
Reply:Well, since you ask, it's "colocasia". Hope that helps!
Reply:dunno but never buy the elephant bottom plant yer room fills up in no time !
Reply:caladiams
Reply:Colocasia
Reply:In England, this is known as a Bergenia, not to be confused with a Begonia. It appears that in other countries, the common term "Elephant Ears" correalates with the answers above. The leafs become quite unsightly and can rot in the winter, the flower lasts for month maximum and we can expect this mid spring. Not one of my favourites. See this link:


http://www.stauder.net/bildearkiv/Bergen...
Reply:The scientific name is Colocasia esculenta, Araceae


( Caladium family ).


Here same hints for propagation etc:


http://www.gardenersnet.com/bulbs/elepha...


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taro


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colocasia


and photos.


http://images.google.de/images?q=Elephan...
Reply:Taro


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