Definition

Noun: * A tropical herbaceous plant (Colocasia esculenta) cultivated widely in warm climates for its large, starchy, edible corm (underground stem), and often grown in temperate regions as an ornamental plant for its large, attractive, heart-shaped leaves.

Usage

• The term "colocasia esculenta" is the formal botanical name. In everyday language, the plant is more commonly referred to by its common names.
• It is used to specifically identify this plant species in botanical, agricultural, and horticultural contexts.
• Example: " is believed to have been one of the earliest cultivated plants."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer planted a field of Colocasia esculenta for harvest.
  • Botanists study the various cultivars of Colocasia esculenta.
  • In the botanical garden, the Colocasia esculenta thrived in the water feature.

Advanced Usage

• The species name "esculenta" is Latin for "edible," directly referring to the plant's cultivated use as a food crop.
• In scientific literature, the name is always italicized, and the genus name () is often abbreviated to "C." after first use (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Taro: The most common English name for , especially when referring to the edible corm.
• Dasheen: Another common name for the plant, used in some regions.
• Elephant Ear: A popular name for and related plants when grown ornamentally for their large, dramatic foliage.
• Cocoyam: A name used in some regions, particularly in Africa.

Synonyms

• Taro
• Dasheen
• Eddoe (Note: Sometimes used for a specific type or a closely related species)
• Kalo (the Hawaiian name)

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Corm: The starchy, tuber-like underground plant stem that is the primary edible part of .
• Callaloo: In Caribbean cuisine, this can refer to the leaves of used as a vegetable.

Noun

1. herb of the Pacific islands grown throughout the tropics for its edible root and in temperate areas as an ornamental for its large glossy leaves