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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

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.

More information on Alocasia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#specimen#large leaves#mass planting#spadix#glossy leaves#border front#border middle#urban conditions tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#tropical feel#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#specimen#large leaves#mass planting#spadix#glossy leaves#border front#border middle#urban conditions tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#tropical feel#container plant
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • 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
  • 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).
  • 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
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • 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
  • 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