Plant Family

Araceae

11 plants in database

Tropical shade-layer specialists — taro, elephant ear, and dasheen thrive in wet or heavily shaded conditions where other food crops fail. Most contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation if eaten raw — always cook thoroughly and do not let livestock graze freely. Taro is one of the most productive calories-per-square-foot crops in tropical and subtropical zones. Large leaves make excellent mulch and chop-and-drop material. Many spread aggressively in wet conditions — site carefully near waterways.