|
  There
are some 70 species of large-leafed rhizomatous and tuberous
perennials in this genus from tropical southern and Southeast Asia.
They have heart-shaped to arrowhead-shaped leaves from 8 in_3 ft
(20_90 cm) long depending on the species.
The leaves are often long-stemmed with distinctive red or purple
markings. The long-stemmed arum-like flowers are often obscured by
the foliage and are not very showy.
This genus is closely related to taro (Colocasia) and the roots of
some species are edible, but most contain poisonous crystals which
cause a rapid numbing and swelling of the tongue and throat.
Other properties: Poisonous
Propagate from seed, stem cuttings with a leaf bud or by dividing or
cutting up the rhizomes. |
