Fancy-leaf caladium
Caladium bicolor
Family: Araceae
What it is like
A perennial plant. It grows to 50 cm tall and spreads to 1 m wide. The roots form round tubers. The stem is slender and erect and produces a flower at the top. The leaves arise directly from the base and are large and arrow shaped. The leaf stalk joins to the middle of the leaf underneath. (Not the edge). Leaves are 15-30 cm long. They have patterns of pink and green. The flower is creamy white and lily like.
It is mostly grown as an ornamental plant. There are (7) 12-17 Caladium species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It does best in rich moist soils. It can grow in light shade. It is drought and frost tender. Plants will not grow with temperatures less than 13°C and should have temperatures of 21°C or above. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Amazon, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Central America, Colombia, Congo DR, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guianas, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Korea, Marquesas, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Niue, Pacific, Pan tropical, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, South America, Suriname, Tuvalu, Venezuela, West Africa, West Indies
How it is used for food
CAUTION: The plant like many taro family plants contains very small needle like crystals of calcium oxalate which can irritate the skin or mouth. The leaves are edible with suitable processing. They are boiled and eaten in the West Indies. The tubers of some varieties are used as food. (var. poecile and var. velloziana)
It is not known if they are used for food in Papua New Guinea.
Edible parts
Leaves, tubers, root, seeds, caution
How it is grown
Plants are grown by dividing the tubers. They are planted 5 cm deep. Plants are spaced 30 cm apart.
Its other names
Local names
Angel's wings, Elephant Ears, Karkala phul, Keladi warna-warni, Machakuy manti, Manchup, Maru papachini, Talotalo, Tuka, Ushu