Alocasia

Alocasia is a genus from the family Araceae (Aroids). There are around 90 species of these rhizomatous / tuberous, broad-leaved, perennial, flowering plants. Native to tropical and subtropical Asia and eastern Australia. Many growers widely cultivate a range of hybrids and cultivars as ornamentals around the world. Commonly known as elephant ears, there are two types: alocasias and colocasias. Alocasias hold the tip of their leaves out or upward and prefer more well drained soil and a little shade. Colocasias, on the other hand, display their leaves with tip of the heart pointing down and prefer full sun and consistent moisture.