Elephant ear plants, also known as Alocasias, have some close relatives in the plant world. These cousins belong to the genus Colocasia, commonly referred to as taro. Both Alocasias and Colocasias are often called elephant ears because of their large, heart-shaped leaves that resemble the ears of an elephant.
Having these cousins means that there are other plants with similar characteristics and care requirements to the elephant ear plant. If you’re a fan of the elephant ear’s distinctive foliage and want to explore more options, here are some of its cousins to consider:
1. Colocasia esculenta: This is the most well-known cousin of the elephant ear plant. Colocasia esculenta, also known as taro, is a tropical plant that is widely cultivated for its edible corms. It has large, arrowhead-shaped leaves with prominent veining and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Like Alocasias, Colocasias prefer filtered light and can be grown indoors.
2. Colocasia gigantea: As its name suggests, Colocasia gigantea is a giant cousin of the elephant ear plant. It can reach impressive heights of up to 8-10 feet and has enormous leaves that can measure over 3 feet long. The leaves have a glossy appearance and are deeply lobed. This variety requires a warm, humid climate and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
3. Colocasia antiquorum: Colocasia antiquorum, also called wild taro, is another close relative of the elephant ear plant. It has heart-shaped leaves, similar to Alocasias, but with a more elongated shape. The leaves are green with prominent veins and have a slightly wavy edge. This variety prefers moist soil and can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
4. Colocasia affinis: Colocasia affinis, commonly known as the “Jennings’ Taro,” is a compact variety of elephant ear plant. Its leaves are smaller in size compared to other Colocasias, typically reaching about 1-2 feet in length. The leaves have a dark green color and a glossy texture. This cousin is well-suited for smaller gardens or containers.
5. Colocasia fallax: Colocasia fallax is a lesser-known cousin of the elephant ear plant. It is native to Southeast Asia and has distinctive, elongated arrowhead-shaped leaves. The leaves can vary in color from green to reddish-purple, adding visual interest to any garden. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
It’s worth mentioning that while these cousins share some similarities with the elephant ear plant, each has its own unique characteristics and care requirements. It’s always a good idea to research the specific needs of any plant before adding it to your garden or indoor space.
In my personal experience, I have grown both Alocasias and Colocasias in my garden. The elephant ear plants always add a touch of tropical beauty with their large, striking leaves. Their cousins, the Colocasias, provide different variations in leaf shape, size, and color, adding diversity to my garden’s foliage. Whether it’s the towering Colocasia gigantea or the compact Colocasia affinis, these plants have never failed to capture attention and spark conversations among visitors to my garden.
The cousins of the elephant ear plant offer a range of options for plant enthusiasts to explore. Whether you’re looking for a sizeable statement plant or a more compact variety, there’s likely a Colocasia cousin that will suit your preferences and gardening conditions.
