Colocasia Esculenta Views
Taro ( /ˈtɑroʊ/) is a common name for the corms and tubers of several plants in the family Araceae (see Taro (disambiguation)). Of these, Colocasia esculenta is the most widely cultivated, and is the subject of this article. More specifically, this article describes the 'dasheen' form of taro; another variety is called eddoe.
The name taro is generally used to refer to Colocasia esculenta, one of several major root crops in the Araceae family (aroids). Taro probably originated in southeast Asia or southern Asia. It is believed to be one of the earliest crops to be domesticated with several centers of domestication, one being in New Guinea.
Colocasia esculenta bulbs also go by the name of elephant ears for their large and pronounced leaf shape. The leaves of this native wetland perennial can reach up to 2 feet across, growing on stems that climb up to 3 feet. Colocasia esculenta bulbs, or corms, can reach up to 8 pounds in weight. Smaller side shoots growing off the main corm, known as eddos, are edible, and used in the culinary world much like the potato. With proper conditions, these elephant ear plants can grow up to 8 feet tall.
Bury the Colocasia esculenta bulb tubers---purchased from a garden nursery, or propagated from existing plants---3 inches deep within the prepared planting soil. Plant Colocasia esculenta bulb tubers 2 feet apart if planting these plants in rows. Cover the tubers with soil, and firmly pack down with your hands.
Colocasia Esculenta Images
