Giant Taro

Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don

Dramatic Large Foliage
Same Genus as Zebra Alocasia

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

bark

Preparation

not applicable: not a food plant

Hazard type

Calcium oxalate crystals

Hazard route

ingestion and skin contact

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA's Alocasia page covers the genus directly (not one species), so this is a direct whole-genus listing rather than an inference across genera: the same evidentiary strength already established for the zebra alocasia entry in PlotAndPetal. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals are the toxic principle across the genus, causing oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed or ingested.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: The two sources used give different ranges. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox recommends USDA zones 10a to 12b for growing outdoors, while UF/IFAS (FP033) lists zones 8A through 11 for Alocasia in its table. Check which applies in your own area with your local extension office before planting outdoors.
Mature size: The sources used give different sizes. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox lists 2 to 10 feet tall and wide, with the 'Borneo Giant' form reaching about 15 feet, while UF/IFAS (FP033) gives 12 to 15 feet tall for this species.
Family: Araceae (aroid family)
Where it comes from: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox gives the native range as tropical and subtropical Asia to eastern Australia, and UF/IFAS (FP033, Alocasia spp.) describes the genus as native to the Asia-Pacific region.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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