Colocasia antiquorum
Its Taro (Elephant's ear). And it's hardy to zone 7a, and they produce some of the largest elephant's ears around....
Kenton
The following thread was started by Kenton on February 11, 2003 at 6:10 am PST
If you are referring to the black leaf one, mine died its first winter in the ground.
They seem to need lost of high humidity to really look good, all the ones I've seen in nurserys were not very big, most likely because of low heat. but a very dramatic looking leaf.
You may have better luck than me, you can get them at Plant Delights or other mail order places if you can't find them in your area.
good luck.
The above followup was added by Roger, Olympia on February 11, 2003 at 8:30 am PST.
Kenton: Though Colocasia Antiquorum is quite a striking plant, I've found it to be barely hardy in our Wet Zone 8 climate. Unless heavily mulched, the Winter rains will quickly turn the tubers into very expensive mounds of rotting mush. A much more reliable species for our climate is Colocasia Esculenta "Fontanesii."
You might also want to experiment with Remusatia Vivipara. The leaves on this plant look like they're made of vinyl car seat material, but with the same overall structure as a Colocasia. I have nearly a dozen tubers of this species out in my yard -- and though the first frosts knocked all of the leaves to the ground the tubers seem to be doing just fine.
Roger is correct is saying that Plant Delights is a source for C. Antiquorum. They also carry Colocasia "Fontanesii," along with Remusatia Vivipara.
Matt "in West Seattle" Monroe
Seattle, WA.
E-mail: mattsound@aol.com
The above followup was added by Matt in West Seattle on February 11, 2003 at 3:15 pm PST.
The Hardy Plant Society sale in Portland (April, I think) has always had them. Advice: don't go to the sale with a checkbook or credit card. This is a place where you can easily lose your head in the giddy atmosphere of sexy plants you've always wanted.
The above followup was added by Steve in Brookings on February 11, 2003 at 6:47 pm PST.