5
Alocasia Araceae Bish Stem acuminata kochu Schott 6 Colocasia Araceae Dudh Leaf, esculenta kochu stem (L.) Schott 7 Calotropis Asclepiadeae Akondo Leaf gigantea R.
Taro was the primary crop grown in Samoa, but other crops were also grown including yams (Dioscorea spp.), giant taro (
Alocasia macrorrhiza), banana (Musa spp.), coconut (Cocos nucifera), and breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis).
Even ants may outwit you on several green seed pods, including lilies, coleus and
alocasia, as well as the fruit of apples, pears and berries.
The stems of
Alocasia macrorrhizos were used to treat paralysis.
Howerton (FSCA, E-20082067, deposited in BNHM): 2 (4 2nd [female][female]), 3 (7 2nd [male][male]), 3 (8 1st); Miami Beach, Codiaeum variegatum, Apr 2008, collector unknown (FSCA, 2008-2538) 1 (1 2nd [female]), 2 (4 2nd [male][male]); Miami-Dade Co., Homestead,
Alocasia sp., 13.iv.2009, Juan Menendez (E2609-2160-301), 5 (5 ad [male][male]); Davie, Codiaeum variegatum, Apr 2008, G.
Tall Canna Lilies, like 'Pretoria,' with striped leaves, water-loving elephant ears (Colocasia and
Alocasia) like 'Black Magic,' Caladiums (Caladium bicolor), Ornamental Bananas (Musafolia), Cordyline, Agave, Hibiscus and Brugmansia provide a touch of paradise.
A tall white ceramic vase with a single stem of variegated
alocasia leaf creates effortless drama.
From
Alocasia (you may know it as Elephant's Ear or Giant Taro) to Xanthosoma (without a common name that I recognize), this delightful 118 page book takes you on a tour of the world's kitchens and gardens.
Giant taro (
Alocasia macrorrhiza) is also an important supplementary staple in areas such as Samoa and Vava'u in northern Tonga.
She used scissors to cut 4x4 cm squares from leaves of plant families Anacardiaceae (mango), Araceae (probably
Alocasia macrorhiza), Bromeliaceae (V.