Yucatan Princess Alocasia sarawakensis 'Yucatan Princess'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- ah-loh-KAH-see-ah sah-rah-wahk-EN-sis
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Alocasia sarawakensis 'Yucatan Princess' is a large leaf, tuberous perennial plant in the arum family, native to Borneo and one of the 80 species of Alocasia genus. It is typically grown for its foliage. This particular elephant ear grows 4-8 feet tall and holds its glossy leaves high on strong chocolate brown stems. The leaves unfurl to puckered glossy gray-green leaves with maroon undersides. It is cold hardy to zone 9.
It grows best where annual daytime temperatures range from 68 to 77 degrees F., in a shaded site with well-drained, humus-rich, fertile loam, though it does tolerate a wide range of soil types. Divided roots may be started indoors in pots or containers and set outside after the last frost date. Water and fertilize regularly. Before first fall frost, dig up the pots and bring them inside where they can overwintered. Reduce watering in winter and return to the garden in spring.
This plant rarely flowers, but when it does, the blooms are a creamy white. The leaves, however, are colorful.This plant is often found as an indoor houseplant or, if temperatures and moisture levels permit, as a summer ornamental. However, if grown in a pot, the plant will typically not reach its full height.
Diseases, Pests, and Other Plant Problems:
Alocasia are prone to spider mites. The plant is susceptible to high winds and, if sited outdoors, should be in a protected area.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Alocasia
- Species:
- sarawakensis
- Family:
- Araceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Borneo
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Edibility:
- The corm and stem can be eaten, but must be thoroughly cooked to destroy the calcium oxalate crystals. Once cooked, it can be used as a cooked vegetable added to soups and stews.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Poisonous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- 6-feet-12 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spadix
- Flower Description:
- Flowers are seldom seen. However, they are small, clustered on a spadix and surrounded by a modified leaf (the spathe).
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Variegated
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Large glossy leaves
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Landscape Theme:
- Rain Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Urban Conditions
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- High
- Poison Symptoms:
- HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE! All parts are poisonous and contain calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is toxic and makes the mouth, tongue and throat feel as if small needles are digging in to them. Poisonous by ingestion, dermatitis, and eye injury. Symptoms may include painful irritation of lips, mouth, tongue, and throat after chewing; difficulty of speaking; nausea and diarrhea, vomiting, delirium, and death. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones and hyperacidity should be especially cautious.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Insoluble calcium oxalates
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Roots
- Stems