Taro, Red (Colocasia esculenta)

Taro is a hardy herbaceous tropical perennial plant that is both ornamental and medicinal!  It grows and spreads underground through it's edible veggie-like rhizome.  Taro is well known for it's use as root vegetable in Hawaii, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia, and is used to make the popular Hawaiian dish, Poi. Taro is a fast growing vegetable loaded with antioxidants, essential vitamins, fiber and protein. The root also contains magnesium, iron, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper and phosphorous.  Heart-shaped elephant ear leaves add a beautiful tropical element to any landscape.