There is one last plant I wish to mention. It is
not a Colocasia, but an Aroid, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, also known
as the New Coco-Yam or Violet stemmed Taro, or botanically as Colocasia
multi- flora. It is another tropical vegetable, serving the same
purpose as Taro, but it originates from Brazil. The leaves are arrow-shaped,
with the stalk attached to the edge of the leaf. The leaves are
of a similar size to Colocasia esculenta, but it grows up to 2 metres
tall! It requires slightly drier conditions.
As I have mentioned, Colocasia esculenta can be
found in supermarkets and ethnic grocers under any of the common
names listed for the West Indies. Xanthosoma sagittifolium should
be found as either Yautia or Tannia in the same shops. So, do try
your luck at this easy-to-grow exotic vegetable. If you get fed
up with the idea, you can always dig them up and eat them!
Big Leaves!
