Alocolosomaroidiums

No, it's not a new plant type, only my conglomerate attempt to describe Elephant ears, also known as , Ears, EE's, Aroids, Alocasias, Colocasias and Xanthosomas and last but not least, Caladiums

It's that time of the year again when the heat is cranking up. We know it not only because of the sweltering afternoon heat that compels us to take mid afternoon naps to escape the heat, but familiar summer sights and sounds. I heard the first cicada call the other morning as I was checking out the nicely developing Elephant ears through out the garden both summers signature of hotter days to come. EE's seem to be the easiest thing for me or my fancy melded term Alocalosomaroids to describe the 'ears'. What is the difference anyway!? Of course the answer scientifically can be quite detailed, and so in time of need I turn to the expert and friend at Daves Garden LariAnn Garner, Research Director, Aroidia Research, Florida USA email AROIDIAN@att.net website http://aroidiaresearch.org who is always quick to come to my rescue in the aroid arena! When asked for general explanation she provided the following exquisite answer

"In general most of the familiar Alocasias, especially the large terrestrials, hold their leaves closer to parallel with the petioles, while Colocasias hold their leaves more or less perpendicular to the petiole. That being said, there are a number of examples that contradict this. For example, the lowii/longiloba Alocasia hold their leaf blades near perpendicular to the petiole.Another general rule of thumb is that the overall look of Alocasia leaves is glossy or shiny, while Colocasia leaves have a matte look (no gloss or shine). Again, there are exceptions to this rule as well.The blooms, of course, are the most definitive way of distinguishing them, but to do so requires a technical expertise (and available blooms, too).The overall leaf texture of Colocasias is softer and thinner than it is in most Alocasias. One exception to this rule is Alocasia hypnosa, which has leaves of a thin texture, but which I believe might be a natural hybrid between Alocasia and Colocasia"Thank you LariAnn for coming to the rescue in explaining the differences! To simplify the explanation further the Colocasias and Xanthosomas have leaves that face you, or the tips of the leaves point downward like an Elephants ears. The Alocasias leaf tips point outward, upward or horizontally, but as LariAnn stated, there are exceptions.

Borneo Giant Alocasia macrorrhizos

Metalica Crispa Plumbea

The Metalica Crispa Plumbea, Alocasia or Colocasia? The original plant was given to me on my birthday several years ago this coming weekend. It has never failed to please in the garden. Large dark leaves, seem to thrive in the hotter temperatures. Most winters the plant dies back to the ground, but occasionally will make it through the entire year. Usually lasting until late fall and early winter, it re-appears around March. Pups, or new plants appear in late fall, spring and occasionally during the summer.

Alocasia or Colocasia? Names include, Black Taro, Black Stem Elephant Ear, Violet-Stemmed Taro 'Fontanesii'This guy is a runner, meaning that it sends out roots, and new plants will appear at the ends of the runners. It is the first of the EE's to appear, and in fact will grow year around in the Heights area.answer: Colocasia EsculentaThere are literally dozens of types of Colocasia Esculenta

alocasia argentea

The shiny leaf appearance would make this a....? no, Alocalosomaroidium doesn't count!

Amongst my favorites are these tender, but very jungle looking alocasia known as Alocasia 'Hilo Beauties'. These are more challenging for temperature and light, and one of the "exceptions" in the Alocalosomaroid descriptions.

Caladiums are also a hot weather lover, and who could ever be tired of the endless designs and colors these guys offer us!? This year, I finally had purchased my caladium bulbs early, and was able to plant them in the ground around the pond in March as I had promised myself to do so many years before. I have to say that I'm very pleased with the results as the caladiums seem to be thriving!