Content
- Is the tuber of the elephant ear edible?
- Colocasia esculenta
- Xanthosoma sagiitifolium
- Kalanchoe beharensis
- Haemanthus albiflos
- The essentials in brief:
- Tips
The tuber of the taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a specialty in Asia
Is the tuber of the elephant ear edible?
There are several plants of different genera called elephant ear. Therefore, one can not say in general whether "the elephant ear" is generally edible or poisonous. For a correct answer you have to resort to the botanical name.
Colocasia esculenta
The Colocasia esculenta, which belongs to the arum family, is not only edible, but even a staple food in its Asian homeland. Similar to the potato, the tuber of Colocasia esculenta contains much starch. It can be cooked or fried.
Xanthosoma sagiitifolium
In Suriname grows the Xanthosoma sagiitifolium, also an arum plant. Up to 60 cm in length reach the arrow or egg-shaped leaves of this vegetable. They are prepared in Suriname much like spinach.
Kalanchoe beharensis
The Kalanchoe beharensis belonging to the thick-leafed plants is not a crop. It is considered toxic to all types of pets. For humans, they are weakly toxic. Ideally, it stands so that neither small children nor pets can reach them.
Haemanthus albiflos
The elephant ear Haemanthus albiflos belongs to the Amaryllisgewächsen and is a rather rare houseplant. Therefore, little is to be found about whether this plant is toxic or not. However, the amaryllis related to this elephant ear is poisonous. It has a lovely effect on the skin and mucous membranes.
This easy-care elephant ear comes originally from South Africa. There she grows in club-like groups. In our latitudes, the elephant ear is not hardy, but may be in the summer outside on the balcony or terrace.
For a simple multiplication, it is best to use the small daughter bulbs that form on the tuber. If these onions are carefully separated from the mother onion and placed individually in pots, then strong elephant ears develop soon.
The essentials in brief:
Tips
Before you use parts of your elephant ear in the kitchen, it is important to clarify what type of plant it is.