Giant taro

Giant taro is a huge tropical member of the arum family, growing from a thick upright stem into a clump of glossy, arrow-shaped leaves that can top a metre in length. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, it is planted worldwide in warm, humid gardens and has become a favourite in frost-free coastal places like the Azores.

• The leaves are held stiffly upward and shed rain from their pointed tips, unlike the drooping, umbrella-like leaves of true taro.
• All parts contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, so the plant is inedible unless cooked long and thoroughly.
• Its rhizomes have been a famine food across the Pacific islands for centuries despite the irritating sap.

Care
Give it rich, constantly moist soil and bright but sheltered light, and protect the crown from frost or move it indoors below about 10 °C.