Malesiana Tropicals

Nearly 70 species of Alocasia occur in tropical Asia, with very high diversity in Borneo, the Philippines and New Guinea. We have 40 species in cultivation, including all of the Bornean endemic species, of which we presently offer 20 for sale. More species will be offered as they become available from our tissue culture laboratory and from seed.

There is some confusion on how to differentiate between Alocasia and Colocasia (the true taro), and much has been written about the poise of the leaves, etc. However, the easiest way to distinguish them is to observe the fruits. Alocasia produces erect spikes of bright odourless orange berries. Each berry contains between one and three large round seeds. Colocasia produces a drooping spike of small pale yellow or brown fruits that smell like overripe pineapple. Each berry contains numerous small ablong seeds.

Please click here for a listing of the Alocasia species we currently offer.