Amazonian Elephant's Ear

Amazonian Elephant's Ear Overview

Alocasia amazonica is a tender, rhizomatous, evergreen perennial hybrid that can grow up to 1.5m high. It is commonly sold under names such as Alocasia Polly and Amazonian Elephant's Ear. Frequently grown indoors as a houseplant, this plant does best when provided with ample humidity. Placement in a bathroom or kitchen, in bright, indirect sunlight. It was bred from a cross between the plants Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderiana and it is not yet considered a true species. The name Alocasia x amazonica is not a true scientific name, created by a grower called Salvadore Mauro in the 1950s. Its impressive leaves are dark green with dramatic silver veins on the upper surface, purple underneath. Leaves are narrowly arrow-shaped with wavy edges and can reach 60cm in length, making a striking visual display. It has relatively insignificant spathes which may be borne at any time of the year. Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.