Origin
Southeastern Asia, India
Ecological Impact
Listed as a Category I invasive species for all regions of Florida by the Florida Invasive Species Council. Labeled an "aggressive weed" that grows in dense clusters along lake shores and riverbanks, displacing native shoreline vegetation.
Description
An erect, perennial herb that grows up to 4 feet tall. Leaf blades are peltate (attached to stalk near the center of leaf), and arrowhead in shape, and can grow up to 2 feet long. The leaves are dark green with wavy (undulate) margins and repel water. Inflorescence grows on a fleshy stalk; partially enveloped by a long yellow spathe. Flowers occur in small fingerlike spikes. The fruit is a small berry that grows in clusters on the stalk (Langeland and Burks, 1998).
Identification Tips
Wild taro grows along streams, canals, and other aquatic locations with high nutrient sources. Look for large, arrowhead-shaped and peltate leaves which are stalked from the back of the blade. Wild taro resembles other plants in Florida such as native arums (Peltandra spp.) and elephant ear (Xanthosoma sagittifolium).
History
Wild taro was introduced to Florida in 1910 by th U.S. Department of Agriculture to replace potatoes (Langeland and Burks, 1998).
Florida Range
Statewide
Prevention/Management Strategies
Do not plant. Dig up tubers and discard with household waste.