This is a tropical plant species. They are beautiful and ornamental and thus are famous in gardens. But, some of these are edible and appreciated by all.
They are highly nutritious and appear to be rich and velvety.
You will get to know about the edible varieties of this genre in detail.
These edible types are known to have an origin from either Malaysian wetlands or India. They have now spread across the world and are also appreciated not only for their foliage but also roots.
Some of the Types of Colocasia Esculenta are tubular veggies which are native to certain cultures including Indian.
Types of Colocasia Esculenta
Some of the known varieties of Colocasia Esculenta are:
1) Elephant Ears
These are topical plants which typically grow in hot and humid weather. They have large heart-shaped leaves which are pointed downwards to indicate that these leaves belong to the colocasia family.
Many of the elephant ears are grown for their starchy tubers or corms. These tubers often also form the staple food of the tropical region they are grown in.
2) Taro
Taro is a root vegetable and scientifically belongs to the colocasia genus. It is believed to be a native of the Malaysian wetlands and parts of India and was later spread across the world. It is one of the earliest cultivated foods and is a part of the culture of many Indian, African and Oceanic cultures. It is also grown as an ornamental plant at times.
Taro is one of the best sources of Vitamin C and is also highly nutritive. Its high nutritional value makes it a highly beneficial and valuable vegetable for humans. Taro is not just grown for its root which is used as a vegetable but also its leaves, which are considered edible in certain cultures.
This root is not only amazing in taste but also helps in improving our digestive system. The taro roots are also known to boost our immunity and improve our vision. Lastly, taro roots help in the prevention of cancer.
3) Black Magic
This plant is considered one of the first ever cultivated plant with black leaves whose ends are folded slightly upwards, and they have dark purplish petioles.
4) Diamond Head
The diamond head has leaves which are slightly puckered in shape. They have a glossy finish and are usually purple.
5) Mojito
The mojito has smaller leaves which dull green in their appearance. The leaves are usually speckled and dark black at the back with dark petioles.
6) Coffee Cup
It is a robust hybrid of this genre and has smaller leaves. Their leaf ends and petioles all fold upwards forming cup-like structures.
7) Elena
The leaves of this and the consequent variety are very similar though Elena has cream colored petioles which change their color to purple on joining the leaf veins.
8) Black Marble
This species is rare in its production as it is a weak grower. Though, it has beautiful and glossy black leaves.
9) Black Runner
This is fairly a newer type. The edges of its leaves are ruffled. They generally creep like snakes.
10) Blue Hawaii
These plants are usually with dark green leaves with a maroon underside. Their veins are usually dark purple.
11) Chicago Harlequin
This one has giant green leaves, and each of them has random light green patches. Their stems have beautiful crème and light green patches.
12) Coal Miner
These plants do not spread much underground, and the leaves have a velvety texture. The leaves themselves aren’t as dark as their backs.
13) Elepaio
This type is named after a flycatcher bird of Hawaii. The leaves of this plat are heavily spotted with light flecks.
14) Maui Magic
This variety has plump stems which are dark purple. Their leaves often change color from dark green to olive green and have somewhat of a gloss to them.
15) Lime-Aide
It has dark green leaves with yellow chartreuse flecks on them.
16) Nancy’s Revenge
The unique quality of this plant is that these leaves change color as the season changes.
17) Pineapple Princess
This plant has dramatic leaves with a purple back, and grayish purple front and the veins can also be seen. It has starchy corms.
18) Rhubarb
This plant has beautiful red leaves which are big. The red color is attractive, appealing and is also used as a dye.
19) Surf City
This plant has narrow ruffled leaves with a small purple dot in each.
20) Burgundy Stem
It is one of the tall cultivars of this species. It has deep purple petioles with green leaves. A tinge of purple is also there which makes it look burgundy and thus, the name is assigned to it.
21) Fontanesii
This is another hybrid which is often tall and has dark leaves with dark petioles.
22) Yellow Splash
This plant needs rich organic soil to grow well. The yellow splash has large gray-green leaves with heavy splashes of yellow color which forms various patterns on the leaves.
23) Black Beauty
The Black beauty which is another Colocasia Esculenta type has stunning black leaves with veins that are not much visible.
24) Hawaiian Punch
These plants have lime green leaves which are highly glossy with red veins on its back. These plants can be grown in containers too.
25) Black Stem
This plant exhibits beautiful tea blue leaves and dramatic black stems. Their beauty attracts a lot of attention.
Conclusion
The corms of the Colocasia Esculenta are generally edible. Not only edible but have high nutritional values as well.
One of the most famous edible types, as discussed above, is taro, which is a high fiber digestive tube and enjoys a lot of attention in many cultures. It is appreciated for its taste and nutritional benefits.
These plants not only are good for our body but their beautiful dark hues add a wonderful and astoundingly pleasing site in any garden they are added to. Let yourself indulge in the beauty of sight and taste with this beautiful genre of plants.