leaf ShapeElongated sagittateArrowhead-shaped leaves, with pointed lobes at the base pointing downwards. to hastateSpearhead-shaped leaves, with basal lobes pointing outward at right angles rather than downward. with narrow posterior lobes

leaf LengthVaries, typically long

leaf WidthVaries, typically narrow

petiole ColorGreen (inferred from illustration)

venationProminent pale venation

textureSlightly metallic on adaxial surface

variegationNone

growth HabitTerrestrialA plant that grows directly in the ground, rooting in soil rather than climbing trees or rocks., self-heading, no climbing stem

About Alocasia longiloba Miq.

Alocasia longiloba is a terrestrial aroid native to the humid tropical forests of Southern China and Western and Central Malesia. It thrives in shaded, moist sites, typically growing in rich, organic soil. This species is characterized by its upright and arching petioles and elongated, sagittate to hastate leaves with prominent pale venation and an acute sinus. Alocasia longiloba is a terrestrial plant with no climbing stem, arising from a fibrous corm-like base.

Native Range

Malesia (Southeast Asia)

Field Notes · Vol. 115 May 2021

Wide Range, Sensible Price

Alocasia longiloba covers a wide distribution across Southern China and Malesia, which is reflected in considerable morphological variation across populations. In cultivation you will encounter plants sold under this name that look quite different from one another, and the taxonomy is not particularly well-resolved — the species has been a taxonomic catch-all at various points in its history. What is consistent is the broad, shield-shaped leaf with prominent pale venation on a darker blade. Worth having; not worth fretting about. Priced reasonably for a plant that does what it says on the label.

Written at AroidAtlas research station— Aroid Atlas

Plants Similar to Alocasia longiloba Miq.

Alocasia longiloba