Coco Yam
Colocasia esculenta
- Native to:
- Bangladesh, China, Guam, India, Laos, Malaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Palau, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand
Taro_leaf_underside,_backlit_by_sun.jpg : Avenue Derivative work: Avenue ( talk )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Araceae
- Genus:
- Colocasia
- Species:
- Colocasia esculenta
- USDA Symbol:
- COES
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cosmet moth (Pyroderces rileyi), Densa Bellura (Bellura densa)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moisture-retentive loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Thrives in wetland areas, often found in swamps and along riverbanks.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require warm temperatures (75-85°F) and consistent moisture. Typically propagated vegetatively via corms rather than seed.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI