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Products > Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii'   Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii' - Black Taro     [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Tropical Family: Araceae (Arums) Origin: Polynesia (Pacific Ocean) Evergreen: Yes Red/Purple Foliage: Yes Flower Color: White Bloomtime: Infrequent Height: 4-8 feet Width: 4-5 feet Exposure: Light Shade/Part Sun Irrigation (H2O Info): High Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F May be Poisonous  (More Info): Yes Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii' (Black Taro) - A tender herbaceous perennial that holds large dark green heart-shaped leaves on dark purple (almost black) stalks. Grows 4-6 feet tall and about 5 feet wide in wet soils or shallow water. It can be planted in saturated soil to 12" deep in the water. Calla-like white flower blooms are rarely seen. Plant in light shade with protection from wind. Although tender to 30-32° F, it will often resprout from the base. This is a Taro relative - All parts of Taro are poisonous, so the roots and leaves must be cooked properly before being eaten. Even if eaten when only partially cooked, it will burn the throat.  The information on this page is based on our library and online research as well as observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesi'.     [MORE INFO]