Xanthosoma, Elephant-Ear (a name applied to multiple aroids), Malanga

Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott.

zan-though-SOAM-ah saj-it-ah-FOAL-ee-um

Araceae

Explanation of name: Xanthosoma means yellow body, a reference to the stigma (WA1). Sagittifolium means arrowhead-shaped (leaf).

Natural range: Tropical America (not Florida)

Recognition: Large elephant-ear Aroid easily confused with Alocasia (and perhaps with Colocasia esculenta). Xanthosoma has particularly large, divergent, basal leaf lobes (sometimes overlapping). For a key to the large-leaved Aroids in Palm Beach County, see Colocasia.

Landscape uses: Very large-leaved, fast-growing elephant-ear sometimes encountered in protected sites. Not tolerant of wind, cold, or drying. Not recommended due to Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council listing as a Category II invasive exotic. I (G. Rogers) doubt the colorful-leaved cultivars are likely to become established as pests, although more research is needed.

‘Lime Zinger’ has light-colored leaves. For photos of  Xanthosoma cultivars, species other than X. sagittifolium, and related aroids, see the AgriStarts website: http://www.agristarts.com/alocasia_main.htm

Additional species of Xanthosoma in Florida cultivation:

Xanthosoma atrovirens

X. jacquinii

X. undipes

All aroids have toxic raphide crystals.