Description

• Xanthosoma is a genus of tropical, herbaceous perennial plants in the family Araceae, commonly known as tannia, yautía or elephant ear plants. Species typically grow from underground corms or rhizomes and produce large, arrow-shaped or heart-shaped leaves on long, upright stalks. The leaves are often prominently veined and may reach considerable sizes in favourable conditions. Like other members of the arum family, the plants produce an inflorescence consisting of a spadix surrounded by a leaf-like spathe. Their fruits are small berries. Many species contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if raw plant tissues are handled or eaten. Several species are cultivated for their edible underground corms and, when properly prepared, their leaves.

Range

• The genus Xanthosoma is native to tropical America, particularly Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America. Several species are cultivated widely throughout tropical regions of the world for food and ornamental purposes. In Mexico, members of the genus may be grown in warm, humid areas, including parts of Guerrero, although their occurrence in the wild around Zihuatanejo depends on the species and local growing conditions.

Habitat

• Species of Xanthosoma typically grow in tropical forests, forest margins, moist clearings, stream banks and shaded agricultural areas. They generally favour warm conditions, fertile soils rich in organic matter and consistent moisture, often growing best in partial shade. Cultivated plants are commonly found in gardens, orchards and small-scale agricultural plots. Around Zihuatanejo, they are most likely to occur in irrigated gardens, shaded courtyards and other sheltered, moist locations rather than exposed, seasonally dry scrub.