Colocasiae

Colocasiae is a term used in botanical writing to refer to plants of the genus Colocasia, in the family Araceae. The genus includes several tropical herbs, of which Colocasia esculenta is the best known as taro. The plural form colocasiae appears in some classifications to denote multiple species within Colocasia, though many sources use species names directly.

Colocasia plants are herbaceous perennials with large, heart-shaped leaves on long petioles. They form a globose rhizome and produce a spadix enclosed by a spathe, a typical inflorescence type in the Araceae.

They thrive in warm, moist environments and are often found in wetlands, fields, and riverbanks. Colocasia esculenta has been cultivated for millennia in tropical Asia and has been disseminated to Africa, the Pacific, the Americas, and the Caribbean.

The corms of Colocasia esculenta are edible and form a major carbohydrate source in many cuisines. Leaves are consumed as greens. Raw plant tissue contains calcium oxalate crystals and can irritate the mouth and skin, so thorough cooking is essential.

Within the genus Colocasia, notable species include Colocasia esculenta and Colocasia gigantea (giant taro); many cultivars exist for edible and ornamental uses. Cultivation favors warm temperatures, ample water, and well-drained soil, and some Colocasia species are grown ornamentally as elephant ears.