Colocasia Esculenta 'Black Magic' – an Exotic Plant With Edible Bulbs

Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic' is a perennial native to south-east Asia. It also grows in the Hawaii and the Polinesia islands. Its most spectacular part is long-stalked and stiff leaves that can be up to 60 cm long (about two feet). They are purplish-black and look a bit like huge hearts or elephant ears.

Colocasia esculenta is a huge plant. The leaves growing from purple stalks can be even two-meter wide. It blooms very rarely and is really demanding. However, it looks spectacular both in pots and beds.

The soil has to be fertile, humous and rich in nutrients. It must be kept damp at all times. The plant has to be watered the moment the top layer of soil gets dry (the deeper layers must never be dry). The plant feels best near some water.

The spot has to be bright and warm. The plant prefers dispersed light. That is why it should be kept on a balcony or terrace in the summer and in a room with temperature of 16 C in the winter.

It can be grown in the garden from May to September as it is very sensitive to even moderate frost.

Interestingly, the plant produces edible bulbs (containing a lot of starch and vitamin C) that look like potatoes. The plant is also called 'taro' sometimes.

Have you got 'Black Magic' in your collection?