tacca

Tacca is a genus of flowering plants in the yam family, Dioscoreaceae. There are approximately ten species within this genus, native to tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia. These plants are commonly known as bat flowers or devil's tongue flowers due to their distinctive and often striking inflorescences. The flowers themselves are typically dark purple or black, with elongated bracteoles that can resemble whiskers or tentacles, contributing to their unusual appearance.

Tacca species are perennial herbs that grow from rhizomes. They often feature large, broad leaves. The inflorescence is borne on a tall scape and consists of several large, leaf-like bracts that surround a cluster of smaller, true flowers. The fruits are typically berries.

While not widely cultivated for food, some species have traditional medicinal uses in various cultures. Their unique aesthetic qualities have led to some horticultural interest, particularly among collectors of exotic plants. However, their specific environmental requirements can make them challenging to grow outside of their native tropical or subtropical habitats. Propagation is typically done through division of the rhizomes or from seeds.