Alocasia cucullata, or Chinese Taro, is a small leafed Alocasia sp. known to be from China.  Although commonly called "Buddha's Palm, this species is not related to any palm species and is not a palm. According some sources Alocasia cucullata is claimed to be common to most of Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and parts of Ecuador.  It may certainly have been imported into those countries but is not a native species.  Consultation with experts including botanist Peter Boyce in Singapore indicates Alocasia cucullata is known for certain to have been introduced into numerous Pacific Islands, including Hawaii and now commonly grows in the Caribbean.  But the origin is China or nearby SE Asian countries.  But the true origin of this species has been in question.

As I often do, my curious mind made me want to know where Alocasia cucullata truly originated.  So I sent an email to aroid botanist Pete Boyce.  Pete came back with this enlightening response, "Alocasia cucullata is widespread in SE China (Yunnan, Guagxi, Guangdong), N Vietnam, Laos, N. Thailand. It is never found away from human disturbance and is most often encountered as a planting around temples where is is meant to bring good luck. It is very possible that it is a stabilized cultigen of A. odora selected for 'magical' properties by animistic hill tribes and now much planted to protect Buddhist temples."   So now we know for certain, Alocasia cucullata is not found in Central or South America as a natural species.  It has simply been imported.  It also appears, based on Peter's research and observations, the species is likely a cultivar (hybrid) and does not occur naturally even in its natural range.  This little Alocasia was likely created by man and as a result would be variable.  Alocasia species are known to be highly variable and not every leaf of every specimen will always appear the same.  This link explains in greater detail the scientific principals of natural variation and morphogenesis.  Click here.

With roughly 7 to 8 inch (18cm to 20cm.) leaves  Alocasia cucullata  grows in clumps and is sometimes called an "Elephant Ear".  It appreciates near full sun to partial shade and is extremely easy to grow as long as you keep it's "feet damp".  We found our specimen on a roadside in Homestead, FL in 1999.  Some entrepreneurial spirit had set up a "nursery" in the back of his pick-up on the side of US 1 and offered Chinese Taro and numerous other Alocasia sp. for $5 per large pot.  I've given away quite a number of Alocasia cucullata and have never run out.  They replace themselves quickly.  And this one is not a palm as is implied by one common name!  The photo to the right was taken at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, FL.

Although sometimes called a small "Elephant Ear", that is a poor common name or term to use to describe any plant species.  That term is used to describe plants from numerous genus including Alocasia, Xanthosoma, Philodendron, Anthurium, Caladium, Colocasia and others  Those groups represent close to 3,000 plants!  So when someone describes an "Elephant Ear", the first question would be, which one of the 3.000 species would you like to know about?  Just call it an Alocasia!  That description, even as a common name, is far more descriptive and accurate.

As always, my sincere appreciation to Peter Boyce for his input.

Pollinate your own Aroids!
 As it occurs in nature and by any horticulturist