Red veined leaf
Cyrtosperma johnstonii

Family: Araceae

What it is like

A taro family herb. It can grow 1-3 m tall. The leaves are arrow head shaped and green with red veins. The flowers are dark purple to black. The spathe is blackish-purple and wraps around and tapers to a long tip. The fruit is an oval berry.

It has anti-cancer potential.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in damp locations and water. It can grow in light shade. It can grow in acid or neutral soils. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, USA

How it is used for food

Like most plants in this group it presumably has oxalate crystals.

Edible parts

How it is grown

It can be grown from offsets or corms. It can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Alokasia black jack, Daun urat merah, Rath-kohila

Synonyms

Alocasia johnstonii N. E. Br.;