Taro

Colocasia esculenta, Araceae

Zones

8a–11b

Layer

Root

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

Ground CoverProducer

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (optimal)Partial Sun (optimal)

Water

HighHighHigh

Soil pH

5.5 – 7

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Coconut PalmCocos nucifera

Shade ProvisionWind Protection

CornZea mays

Physical SupportNutrient Accumulation

Date PalmPhoenix dactylifera

Shade ProvisionWind Protection

Lemon BalmMelissa officinalis

Pest Deterrent

MongongoSchinziophyton rautanenii

Shade Provision

Venus Fly TrapDionaea muscipula

Pest Deterrent

Water FernAzolla filiculoides

Nitrogen Fixation

Manila TamarindPithecellobium dulce

Nitrogen FixationShade Provision

JackfruitArtocarpus heterophyllus

Shade ProvisionNutrient Accumulation

BreadfruitArtocarpus altilis

Shade ProvisionNutrient Accumulation

BananaMusa acuminata

Shade ProvisionNutrient Accumulation

Dwarf Cavendish BananaMusa acuminata

Shade ProvisionNutrient Accumulation

CalopoCalopogonium mucunoides

Nitrogen FixationShade Provision

Antagonistic Plants

TeakTectona grandis

Teak produces allelopathic compounds that can inhibit understory crops including taro

Camphor TreeCinnamomum camphora

Camphor Tree's allelopathic compounds can significantly inhibit taro growth and development

CashewAnacardium occidentale

Cashew can produce allelopathic compounds that inhibit understory crop growth including taro

CloveSyzygium aromaticum

Clove produces strong aromatic compounds that can inhibit nearby crop growth including taro

Water HyacinthEichhornia crassipes

Dense water hyacinth can shade wetland taro and may release compounds that inhibit taro growth

Uses

Functions

Food

Edible Parts

RootsLeaves

Common Questions

What zones does Taro grow in?

Taro grows in USDA hardiness zones 8a through 11b.

What are good companion plants for Taro?

Good companions for Taro include Coconut Palm, Corn, Date Palm, Lemon Balm, Mongongo.

Design guilds with Taro and see companion relationships visually.

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