Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Alismatales R.Br. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Araceae Juss.
Genus
Colocasia Schott
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott (1832)
Synonymy:
  • ≡ Colocasia antiquorum Schott (1832)
  • = Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum (Schott) F.T.Hubb. & Rehder
Vernacular Name(s):
Dalo; Taro
 Description

Robust, tuberous, acaulescent perennials 1–2 m high, with a cluster of long-petioled leaves. Leaves large; laminae peltate, ovate-cordate, 20–50 cm long, acute to acuminate, entire, sometimes white-mottled, veins somewhat reddish; petiole ± > lamina, light to dark green, reddish-or purple-tinged. Scape stout, < petiole. Spathe pale yellowish, ± 20 cm long, rolled inwards at apex. Spadix ± ⅔ of spathe; basal female zone separated from upper male zone by shorter sterile zone made narrower by constriction of spathe; terminal sterile appendage variable in length with much-narrowed, acute tip. Berries green.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Feb.–Apr.

 Bibliography
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Connor, H.E.; Fountain, J. 2009: Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Stewart, J. 1971: Plants in New Zealand Poisonous to Man. New Zealand Department of Health, Wellington. [as Colocasia antiquorum Schott]