Alocasia odora
Alocasia odora | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Alismatales |
Family: | Araceae |
Genus: | Alocasia |
Species: | A. odora
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Binomial name | |
Alocasia odora | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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Alocasia odora (also called night-scented lily, Asian taro or giant upright elephant ear) is a
Description
This species of Alocasia grows to about 0.5–1.6 m high, or just over 5 feet, with corms measuring 4 cm to around 10 cm in diameter and 3–5 cm wide. The leaves are big, diamond-blade-shaped, slightly “teardrop” in form, but ovate, with a light green hue and a cordate base. The petioles are 0.3–1.0 m long, with the lower parts clasped around the stem.[4]
Uses
Alocasia odora leaves and stems are used as a green vegetable in the cuisines of Southeast Asia, and often used to flavor soups (such as canh chua) or stir-fried dishes. Also called Bac ha, the leaves and stems should not be consumed raw, nor should any of the green plant material. At certain Asian or speciality markets, it is usually peeled and boiled to be sold either frozen, bagged in its own liquids, or canned.
Nonetheless, the plant is actually inedible when raw, and may cause mild to significant gastrointestinal discomfort, due to the composition of its leaves, which are covered in microscopic, needle-shaped
Typical of leafy green vegetables—and despite its toxicity if prepared incorrectly—the leaves of this plant are rich in vitamins and minerals, including
Taxonomy and etymology
Alocasia odora is named odora because of the flowers that produce a fragrance which is especially strong at night. The scent is sometimes described as being pleasant and sweet.[9]
References
- ^ a b Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ^ "Alocasia odora (Lodd.) Spach., 1846". TaiBNET. Taiwan: Biodiversity Research Centre, Academia_Sinica.
- ^ MATSUDA M and NAWATA E (2002) "Taro in Northern Vietnam : Its Uses, Cultivation, and Genetic Variation" Japanese Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 46/4, p.252
- ISBN 978-9745240896.
- ^ Jeong Mi Moon, et al. 'Toxicities of raw Alocasia odora', Human & Experimental Toxicology. Abstract
- ^ "「クワズイモ」誤食に注意呼び掛け 厚労省 高知・四万十市で食中". 日本経済新聞.
- ^ 後藤勝実、月岡淳子. "クワズイモ". 自然毒のリスクプロファイル. 厚生労働省.
- ^ さいたま市保健福祉局 健康科学研究センター 生活科学課 (2012年11月19日). "食べられないイモ『クワズイモ』". さいたま市.
- ^ Wyatt, Sara (2022-10-08). "Alocasia Odora ( Night-Scented Liliy) | Elephant Ear Plant Care". Plants Insights. Retrieved 2023-10-28.