Description

General aspect and origins - Xanthosoma sagittifolium is also known as Arum sagittifolium, arrowleaf, elephant ear or yautia. This perennial herb from the Araceae familly has large to huge leaves, and can be up to 6-9 ft (1.80-2.80 m) tall when grown in humid tropical areas.
Leaves - Leaves are sagittate (hence the common name : arrowleaf) and evergreen. They can be more than 6 ft (1.80 m) long, when grown in humid and warm areas. Leaf stems can be more than 8 ft (2.40 m) long in good growing conditions.
Flowers - The inflorescence is made of a white-cream spadix and a spathe.

Culture

Although of tropical origins, the roots and tubers of this plant can withstand cold temperatures down to about 14°F. (-10°C) Arrowleaf can thus be a most interesting tropical looking plant for gardeners in temperate zones. However, this plant needs a long warm season to grow correctly.
Soil - This plant likes moist and drained soils. It should be grown in partial shade (they commonly grow under the rain forest canopy) or in full sun, provided it has enough water.

Propagation

This plant is often propagated with cuttings of the main corm.