Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Alismatales
Family:
Species:
weeksii
ID:
335471

Status:
valid

Authors:
Madison

Source:
wcs

Year:
1978

Citation Micro:
Aroideana 1: 24 (1978)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000334803

Common Names

  • Xanthosoma Weeksii
  • Weeksii Taro
  • Weeksii Elephant Ear

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Description

Xanthosoma weeksii (also called Weeks' taro, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 1.5 m in height. It has large, heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins and a long petiole. It is native to Central and South America and is found in moist, shady habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Xanthosoma weeksii is used as an ornamental plant, for its foliage and flowers, and as a food crop in some parts of the world. Its leaves can be cooked and eaten, and its starchy root can be boiled and eaten as a vegetable.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Flower of Xanthosoma weeksii is a spathe with a white or yellowish-green spadix. The seed is a black, ovoid berry. Seedlings are usually grown from seed.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Xanthosoma weeksii is an evergreen perennial that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers a sunny location and should be planted in well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some frost.

Where to Find Xanthosoma weeksii

Xanthosoma weeksii can be found in the tropical regions of Central and South America.

Xanthosoma weeksii FAQ

What is the scientific name of Xanthosoma weeksii?

Xanthosoma weeksii

What are the common names of Xanthosoma weeksii?

Common names of Xanthosoma weeksii include Weeks' elephant ear and Weeks' taro.

Where is Xanthosoma weeksii native to?

Xanthosoma weeksii is native to the Caribbean.

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

Michael T. Madison (b.1948): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Madison' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:269352-2: Based on the WCVP April 2023 data release.