taro, taro kongkong, tannia, new cocoyam

Description:

Taro is a term that encompasses multiple genera and species from the Arum family, Araceae. Being here in the South Pacific one might be tempted to think these specimens are from the taro believed to have originated in South East Asia including India and Malaysia. However this species hails from South America and was brought to Asia by the Spanish and Portuguese. "Xanthosoma is relatively new to the Pacific region, it has spread rapidly and widely, becoming quite an important crop in many of the islands" ( http://www.fao.org/docrep/t0207e/t0207e0... ). Identification: "leaf tips point downward. Xanthosomas have a sagittate (arrow-shaped) leaf blade (there are a few exceptions to this) with a smooth, sometimes waxy upper surface and thick ribs on the lower surface, often quilted at the veins. It also has a collecting vein that runs all around the leaf, just inside the margin. The petiole attaches at the notched edge of the leaf" ( http://www.walterreeves.com/landscaping/... ).

Habitat:

Planted in a town garden in the equatorial tropics of northern New Guinea.

Notes:

Common names used in Central and South America can be found in the EOL reference.