Alocasia odora 'Batik'

Alocasia odora 'Batik' has large arrowhead-shaped leaves marked with an irregular pattern of cream, white and green. The pattern differs from leaf to leaf and fades in low light, so new leaves can come in greener. Listings often add 'Variegata' or 'Blizzard' to the name. The pale areas scorch more easily than green tissue, so it needs bright indirect light rather than direct sun. Like other alocasias it contains calcium oxalate and is harmful if chewed.

Native range

Cultivated variegated selection of Alocasia odora.

Classification

Genus

Alocasia

Family

Araceae

Type

Variegated

Growth habit

Upright, clumping, massive

Form of

Alocasia odora

Morphology

Leaf shape

Broadly ovateEgg-shaped leaves, with the wider end near the base.-sagittateArrowhead-shaped leaves, with pointed lobes at the base pointing downwards.

Leaf length

50-90cm

Leaf width

30-60cm

Petiole colour

Thick solid light green

Venation

Well-defined light green veins

Texture

Smooth, glossy, leathery

Variegation

Irregular cream, white and green marbling and spotting; differs on every leaf.

Growth habit

Upright clumping