My Colocasia gigantea, giant elephant ear, certainly has enjoyed the heat of this torrid summer. It's bounced between this spot between two decks and a corner of the basement for several years. Last year, I waited to dig it until after Thanksgiving. I felt it would die for sure, since ice had invaded its tissues. Needless to say, it was fine. The leaves are a yard wide and longer. This plant was acquired in a trip to the Memphis Botanic Garden, where a plant had managed to set viable seed and they were able to germinate many small plants. When I got it, it had a single leaf about five inches long. It benefits from daily watering when the deck plants get watered. Now it fills this ten by ten foot space very nicely.
It has also bloomed reliably. Although the flowers are large as one might expect them to be, they are curiously delicate, reminding me of a pale royal maiden that is careful to avoid any exposure to sun. So far, the fruits have not managed to mature here in Maryland.
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