Variable herb, mostly 1-2 m tall. Leaves basal, the blades velvety, to about 60 cm long with rounded or angular basal lobes and 4-8 pairs of usually pale lateral veins; stalk to 1 m long, green to purplish or almost black. Spathe to about 35 cm long, tube green to purplish, the blade yellow.

Cultivated for perhaps 10 000 years, possibly first in India with numerous cultivars. Known variously throughout its range as Aivi (India),Taro, Kalo (Pacific), Cocoyam, Dasheen, Imo (Japan), Keladi,Talas (SE Asia).

Tropical E Asia.

Source: Spencer, R. (2005). Araceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.