This small genus comes from tropical Asia, where its starchy tubers have been an important food source for centuries. The plants thrive in moist, even wet, soils and produce striking round or arrow-shaped leaves.

Dramatically-colored varieties are now available, including our current favorite, "Black Magic". Big, black, and beautiful, the dusty velvet black leaves of this vigorous Elephant's Ear quickly develop into a mass of bold exuberant tropicality in sun or shade, border or container. A rich moist garden soil will bring out its best, or grow it as a marginal aquatic. Perennial in Zones 8-10.