© WikiMedia (Wikimedia) A picture of the leaves of the en:Colocasia esculenta Elephant Ear
© WikiMedia (Wikimedia)
Original use
The plant was originally used as a food crop in the South Pacific and this popularity led to its further development. In more recent years, it has been used mainly for ornamental purposes although in parts of the Philippines it is known as ‘Gabi’ and eaten with coconut milk amongst other uses.
Ideal conditions
It is cultivated with more success in warmer climates but in cooler climates with care and attention, the plant can still grow. It is essential in those cooler climates to keep them free from overnight frosts, ideally in temperatures over 8C (45F).
Size of each leaf
Easily identified by the large shield shaped leaves, the plants can grow to around eight feet or well over two metres in height in tropical climates. In those conditions, each leaf can measure one metre (over three feet) in length and about two thirds of that in width.
Plants grown in cooler conditions will grow to around half of the size of those in the more favourable climate.
Planting information
When planting elephant ears, one to two metres space should be given between each plant. The tuber should be placed into a hole three or four times the size of the tuber. When refilling the hole use a mixture of loose soil and organic compost. Ideally the plant should be just one or two inches (2 to 5 cm) below the surface, lightly compact and water the soil and within three weeks the shoots of the plant should begin to break the surface.
Winter in cooler climates
The plant will not survive the winter outside if the area it is planted in is prone to frosts. They can be cut back to their roots before the harshness of winter arrives and then the roots removed from the ground and air dried for a few days. Place the roots inside a paper bag with some moss to cover the roots and store in a cool environment until the frosts have passed then replant for a fresh plant to adorn your garden.