Alocasia

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Alocasia is a genus of broad-leaved rhizomatous or bulbous perennials from the Family Araceae. There are about 70 species of Alocasia occurring in tropical, humid climates of Southeast Asia and Brazil. The large cordate or sagittate leaves grow to a length of 20 to 90 cm on long petioles. Their beautiful araceous flowers grow at the end of short stalk, but are not conspicuous, often hidden behind the leaf petioles.

Related Topics:
Araceae - Southeast Asia - Brazil - Leaves - Petiole - Flower

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The stem (a corm) is edible, but contains raphid crystals of oxalic acid that can numb and swell the tongue and pharynx. The corms require prolonged boiling before serving or processing as a food.

Related Topics:
Corm - Raphid

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Some hybrids, such as the Amazon Lily of the African Mask (Alocasia x amazonica), are grown as ornamentals.

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