Wild Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
Unlike other invasive plants introduced for their ornamental quality, Wild Taro appeared as a potential crop substitute. The U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced it in hopes to develop a substitute for potatoes, which is a major agricultural crop of Florida. Since its introduction, Wild Taro quickly spread throughout wet areas around the state. You can easily see clusters of it in ditches, along creeks, and along roadways. It can easily be identified by its large, heart-shaped leaf. Although different plants, Taro is often confused with Elephant Ear. Taro is much smaller than Elephant Ear and its petiole attaches to the leaf differently.
![Clumps of Wild Taro](http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/nassauco/files/2021/09/WildTaro-697x1024.jpg)
Control
Preventative
Preventative controls of Wild Taro are similar to other invasive plants. To limit the spread, avoid transplanting, selling, buying, or trading this plant.
Cultural/Physical/Mechanical
Removal of Wild Taro’s corm is essential to its control. Physically removing the corm from the soil is possible, but handlers need to be cautious. This invasive produces oxalic acid, which can cause skin irritation. Landscape alternatives include Pickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata), Arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.), or gingers (Zingiber spp.).
Biological
There are no known biological controls.
Chemical
Foliar chemical applications are effective but may require multiple applications. Nonetheless, it is important to note that Wild Taro grows in wet landscapes, therefore, herbicides listed for aquatic sites are required.
Conclusions
The showy, yet highly invasive plant spreads aggressively across the landscape. Therefore, if you or someone you know is having issues managing this invasive or any other invasive plants within your landscapes, reach out to your county extension office for more information. The invasion of the landscape snatchers has begun, but we can stop it!
More Information:
Blog Series
Like what you are reading? Therefore, check out all the published blogs in this series. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/nassauco/tag/invasion-of-the-landscape-snatcherss/
Or quickly jump to the individual blogs in the series:
Invasion of the Landscape Snatchers
Tuberous Sword Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)
Coral Ardisia (Ardisia crenata)
Wild Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
Mexican Petunia (Ruellia simplex)
Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii)
Mimosa Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)
Social Media Pages:
Other Media Pages
- Blog Page
- Nassau County Extension Page
- IFAS Assessment
- Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
- Contact Information