Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - January 11, 2010

From: Fayetteville, AR
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native Alocasia in Fayetteville, AR
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I am trying to find out information on a plant that I received as a gift called an Alocaiso Plant, It a green, large, shiny green leaf plant with cream colored veins. Very beautiful and I would think only for indoors (I live in Arkansas) except maybe in summer. Any information you could give would be helpful. I haven't been able to find out anything about this plant. Thank you in advance for your response.

ANSWER:

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to the growth, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which the plant is being grown. The closest we could come to your plant name is Alocasia. There are a great many species of this plant, generally referred to as "elephant ears." They are all native to tropical Asia, and therefore are out of our area of expertise. 

One good source for information on non-native plants is the UBC Botanical Forum, on which we found this entry about  Alocasia lauterbachiana. A website from Central Florida Farms Alocasia Plants lists and has pictures of a number of these plants. These are all members of the Araceae family, common name Aroids, from the International Aroid Society.

These plants are tropical, and hardy to Zone 8 only with some protection. Since your area of Northwest Arkansas is Zone 6, you will probably have to treat it as a houseplant year round.

 

More Non-Natives Questions

Japanese Wineberry in Maryland
July 16, 2014 - Hello, we were at Cunningham Falls in Maryland and I can not identify this plant. If you could I would greatly appreciate it, thank you. It looks like a raspberry but the berries are inside small leav...
view the full question and answer

Non-native, invasive Arctium minus in New York
June 13, 2006 - For as long as I can remember, my family has been picking and eating a wild plant which we and other Italian families call " cardoons". I've often heard to it referred to burdock but no one knows t...
view the full question and answer

Dividing non-native daffodils from Austin
April 15, 2012 - The foliage on my daffodils is lush and healthy, but I have no blooms. Should I divide them?
view the full question and answer

Moving non-native globe willow in Mansfield TX
August 10, 2009 - I have a globe willow that we planted in a little landscaped area out front of house not realizing how large top would get. Can I move the tree without damaging it? It is about 9 ft tall, 5-6 ft wid...
view the full question and answer

Non-native Pride of Barbados for Austin
July 07, 2009 - When does the Pride of Barbados need to be planted and where would I find a nursery that carries them?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.