Colocasia vs. Alocasia This is one of the most requested gardening questions. Due to their similar look, they are frequently confused.
The leaves and colors of these two plants are nearly identical, causing people to be confused. It is, however, not difficult to distinguish them.
Alocasia and colocasia, also known as elephant ears, are members of the Araceae family. Although they are from the same family, they have a lot of variances.
Key Takeaways
- Alocasia leaves are heart-shaped, while Colocasia leaves are arrow-shaped.
- Alocasia leaves have prominent veins, while Colocasia leaves have smooth undersides.
- Alocasia plants prefer bright, indirect light, while Colocasia plants thrive in full sun or partial shade.
Alocasia vs Colocasia
Alocasia are plants that prefer bright, indirect light and higher humidity and have more elongated and arrowhead-shaped leaves and a glossy texture. Colocasia are plants that can tolerate more shade and lower humidity and have heart-shaped leaves with distinct veins and a slightly rougher texture.
Colocasia leaves appear to be drooping downward. Colocasia has a downward-pointing leaf tip, unlike Alocasia. Colocasia’s corm is more rounded.
Alocasias thrive in well-drained soil and shaded locations, but Colocasias thrive in bright sunlight and fertile soil. The position of the petiole is also different.
When the petiole of Alocasia attaches to the notch, the petiole of Colocasia attaches a little further down the notch.
When it comes to which is eatable, Colocasia plays an important role, but Alocasia can’t be eaten as some of them are very dangerous.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Alocasia | Colocasia |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | The twigs, or rigid leaf stems, of Alocasia, reach into the leaves. The leaves will follow the line of the petioles as a result of this. As a result, the majority of Alocasia leaves point upwards. | Colocasia petioles connect the notches in the leaves to the petioles. The leaves can droop or dangle at a downward angle as a result of this. |
| Food | The majority of Alocasia types, however, are not edible. Some are extremely dangerous, and consuming them could result in death. | The edible tubers of many Colocasia types, known as taro, are grown. In Hawaii, where Colocasia is widely grown, taro is an important food crop. |
| Biology | Alocasia produces tubers as well as rhizomes. Alocasia tubers are taken from the main growth and replanted to propagate the plant. Alternatively, you can divide the rhizomes and plant them separately to start fresh plants. | Only tubers are produced by Colocasia. The tubers are separated and planted for propagation. |
| Growing Conditions | Alocasia thrives in the shade or partial sun. These plants can be damaged by direct sunlight, especially in hotter climates. Alocasia plants need soil that drains properly and does not stay soggy, despite the fact that they demand frequent watering. | Colocasia, on the other hand, thrives in direct sunlight. It can grow in standing water, unlike Alocasia, and thrives in moist soil. |
What is Alocasia?
Alocasia is a tropical rainforest plant in Southeast Asia that belongs to the Arum family. It grows to a height of four meters and is very widespread in Borneo.
A variety of 79 species have been discovered. For 28,000 years, the plant has been grown as a food source around the Equator. From the original variants, decorative plants have been bred.
Although these aren’t edible, they are quite lovely. In the 1950s, Alocasia ruled living rooms, and it still does today.
Despite its size, the long, silky stems that emerge from a tuber give it an airy and graceful appearance. The stems can be plain or have tiger stripes, and the leaf is particularly noteworthy.
There’s an African mask plant, a crinkled leaf plant, and a skeleton plant with clearly defined leaf veins.
Alocasia is the plant in all Western and Eastern tellings of Jack and the Beanstalk and is known as “the tree that grows up to the heavens.”
As a result, it stands for seizing chances when they present themselves, even if they are dangerous.
What is Calocasia?
Colocasia is a genus of blooming plants that are used for both beautification and food. There are 25 species of plants in this genus, with common names including elephant ear, eddoe, dasheen, taro, and cocoyam.
These plants have shield- or arrowhead-shaped leaves that grow on a single stem and range in size from 10 to 60 inches (25 to 150 cm) across.
The plant is native to tropical Asia and the Americas, and certain kinds of rhizomes are consumed as starchy vegetables.
They are appreciated as ornamental plants in the garden, where they grow as a focal point in the back of a landscaping scheme.
Plant sizes and leaf shapes vary with variety, with brilliant green to reddish-tinged and black-outlined leaves being the most common.
Colocasia thrives in tropical climates with plenty of water; as the plant dries out, the leaves fold and droop, and after a drought, the leaves develop dry brown spots or edges.
The plant, like other members of the family, has an irritant that causes severe irritation to the lips, mouth, and throat. Microscopic needle-like raphides of calcium oxalate monohydrate contribute to the acidity.
Before eating, it must be cooked, soaked, or fermented, sometimes with the addition of an acid (lime or tamarind).
Main Differences Between Alocasia and Colocasia
- Alocasia leaves appear to be horizontal. Colocasia leaves appear to be drooping downward.
- The upward-pointing points of alocasia leaves. Colocasia has a downward-pointing leaf tip, unlike Alocasia.
- When the petiole of Alocasia adheres to the notch, the petiole of Colocasia adheres a little further down the notch.
- When Alocasias thrive in well-drained soil and shaded locations, Colocasia plants thrive in bright sunlight and land with plenty of water.
- The tubers of Colocasia are banded, big, and swollen. Alocasia tubers, on the other hand, are thinner and longer.
Last Updated : 03 September, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
Thank you for the detailed examination of Alocasia and Colocasia. This will be incredibly beneficial for my gardening endeavors.
Fantastic breakdown of the differences between these two commonly confused plants. I appreciate the attention to detail and clear explanations.
This is a comprehensive guide to understanding the differences between Alocasia and Colocasia. The details about growing conditions are particularly enlightening.
It’s fascinating to learn about the distinct characteristics that set these plants apart. The comparison table is particularly helpful for quick reference.
I never knew the differences between Alocasia and Colocasia were so specific. This is a great educational piece for gardening enthusiasts.
The comparison between Alocasia and Colocasia is quite illuminating. I appreciate the thoroughness of this article in addressing all the key differences.
I’ve always been intrigued by these plants, and this article provided such insightful information. Thank you for sharing!
The section about the history and origin of Alocasia and Colocasia was deeply intriguing. I feel much more knowledgeable about these plants now.