Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tropical tree: A large tropical South American tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) known for its wide-spreading crown, bipinnate leaves, coiled ear-shaped seed pods, and valuable timber. It is often grown for shade and ornamental purposes.
   • An ornamental plant: Any plant belonging to the genus Alocasia, characterized by very large, showy, often heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves that resemble an elephant's ear, a boat-shaped spathe, and reddish berries.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Tree):

  • The park's centerpiece is a massive elephant's ear providing shade for the entire plaza.
  • The timber from the elephant's ear is highly prized for its durability and workability.

• Noun (Ornamental Plant):

  • She placed a potted elephant's ear on the patio to add a dramatic tropical feel.
  • The elephant's ear in the botanical garden has leaves nearly three feet wide.

Advanced Usage

• As a descriptive term: The phrase "elephant's ear" is sometimes used informally to describe any plant with exceptionally large, floppy leaves, such as certain cultivars of (taro).
  • While not a true Alocasia, that giant taro is often called an elephant's ear because of its massive foliage.

Variants and Related Words

• Elephant ear: A common alternative spelling, often used interchangeably, especially for the ornamental plants.
• Alocasia: The botanical genus name for many ornamental "elephant's ear" plants.
• Enterolobium cyclocarpum: The scientific name for the tropical tree species.
• Taro (): A related plant with large leaves also commonly called "elephant ear."

Synonyms

• For the tree: Ear tree, monkey ear tree.
• For the plant: Giant taro (for some similar-looking species), African mask plant (for specific varieties).

Related Phrases

• "Elephant ear plant": A common phrase specifying the ornamental variety.
  • Be careful not to overwater your elephant ear plant.
• "Elephant ear fern": Refers to specific fern species with large fronds, demonstrating the descriptive use of the term.
  • The elephant ear fern thrives in the humid understory of the forest.

Noun

1. tropical South American tree having a wide-spreading crown of bipinnate leaves and coiled ear-shaped fruits; grown for shade and ornament as well as valuable timber
2. any plant of the genus Alocasia having large showy basal leaves and boat-shaped spathe and reddish berries