Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Alismatales
Family:
Species:
nitidum
ID:
335424

Status:
valid

Authors:
G.S.Bunting

Source:
wcs

Year:
1975

Citation Micro:
Acta Bot. Venez. 10: 329 (1975)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000334756

Common Names

  • Xanthosoma Nitidum
  • Nitidum Taro
  • Nitidum Elephant Ear

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Description

Xanthosoma nitidum (also called 'Shiny Elephant Ear' or 'Elephant Ear', among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Central and South America. It has large, heart-shaped leaves with shiny veins and can reach up to 2 meters in height. It prefers moist, shady habitats, such as tropical rainforests.

Uses & Benefits

Xanthosoma nitidum is used as an ornamental plant in gardens, as a medicinal plant to treat skin diseases, and as a food source.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Xanthosoma nitidum has yellow-green flowers that are about 2 cm in diameter. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have a single, long, pointed leaf.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Xanthosoma nitidum is a tropical plant that is easy to propagate from cuttings. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. It can be propagated by division or by taking stem cuttings. To take stem cuttings, cut a stem just below a node and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in a pot filled with moist soil and keep it in a warm, bright location. The cutting should root within a few weeks.

Where to Find Xanthosoma nitidum

Xanthosoma nitidum is native to Central America and can be found in moist, shady areas.

Xanthosoma nitidum FAQ

What is the scientific name of Xanthosoma nitidum?

Xanthosoma nitidum

What is the growth habit of Xanthosoma nitidum?

It is an evergreen perennial herb with a creeping rhizome.

What is the native range of Xanthosoma nitidum?

It is native to Central and South America.

Species in the Xanthosoma genus

Xanthosoma akkermansii, Xanthosoma aristeguietae, Xanthosoma auriculatum, Xanthosoma bayo, Xanthosoma belophyllum, Xanthosoma bilineatum, Xanthosoma bolivaranum, Xanthosoma brasiliense, Xanthosoma brevispathaceum, Xanthosoma caladioides, Xanthosoma caracu, Xanthosoma caulotuberculatum, Xanthosoma conspurcatum, Xanthosoma contractum, Xanthosoma cordatum, Xanthosoma cordifolium, Xanthosoma cubense, Xanthosoma daguense, Xanthosoma dealbatum, Xanthosoma eggersii, Xanthosoma exiguum, Xanthosoma flavomaculatum, Xanthosoma fractum, Xanthosoma granvillei, Xanthosoma helleborifolium, Xanthosoma hylaeae, Xanthosoma longilobum, Xanthosoma mafaffoides, Xanthosoma maroae, Xanthosoma maximiliani, Xanthosoma mendozae, Xanthosoma mexicanum, Xanthosoma nitidum, Xanthosoma orinocense, Xanthosoma pariense, Xanthosoma peltatum, Xanthosoma pentaphyllum, Xanthosoma platylobum, Xanthosoma plowmanii, Xanthosoma poeppigii, Xanthosoma pottii, Xanthosoma pubescens, Xanthosoma riedelianum, Xanthosoma riparium, Xanthosoma robustum, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Xanthosoma saguasense, Xanthosoma stenospathum, Xanthosoma striatipes, Xanthosoma striolatum,

Species in the Araceae family

Adelonema erythropus, Adelonema allenii, Adelonema crinipes, Adelonema hammelii, Adelonema kvistii, Adelonema mofflerianum, Adelonema orientale, Adelonema pallidinervium, Adelonema panamense, Adelonema peltatum, Adelonema picturatum, Adelonema roezlii, Adelonema speariae, Adelonema wallisii, Adelonema wendlandii, Adelonema yanamonoense, Aglaodorum griffithii, Aglaonema brevispathum, Aglaonema chermsiriwattanae, Aglaonema cochinchinense, Aglaonema commutatum, Aglaonema cordifolium, Aglaonema costatum, Aglaonema densinervium, Aglaonema flemingianum, Aglaonema hookerianum, Aglaonema marantifolium, Aglaonema modestum, Aglaonema nebulosum, Aglaonema nitidum, Aglaonema ovatum, Aglaonema philippinense, Aglaonema pictum, Aglaonema pumilum, Aglaonema rotunda, Aglaonema simplex, Aglaonema tricolor, Aglaonema vittatum, Aglaonema robeleynii, Aglaonema birmanicum, Aglaonema nicobaricum, Aglaonema tassae, Alloschemone inopinata, Alloschemone occidentalis, Alocasia megawatiae, Alocasia chaii, Alocasia infernalis, Alocasia nycteris, Alocasia hypoleuca, Alocasia jiewhoei,

References

George Sydney Bunting (1927-2015): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'G.S.Bunting' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:269330-2: Based on the WCVP April 2023 data release.