Taro
Common name
Taro
Scientific Name
Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta
Type of plant
Uncategorised
About this weed
Taro was originally introduced from south-east Asia as a garden plant and food and is now common along water courses in the Darling Range and the Swan River. It also has become established in some areas of the Kimberleys. In many countries it is grown as a root vegetable for its edible starchy corm, and as a leaf vegetable. It is a food staple in African, Oceanic and Indian cultures. It has also been a garden favourite because of its long decorative leaves held high on stalks.
Description
Taro is a vigorous perennial tuber with an extensive tuberous root system. This tropical plant can grow to 1 m high but rarely flowers (flowers are yellow) or sets seeds in south-west Australia. Any seed set is of low viability. The tubers can survive after fire.
Impact on Bushland
Not available.
Location
Found along creeks and seepages in a number of areas in the South-West Province and the Kimberleys. In the Darling Range and the Swan River estuary it grows in drains and along watercourses.
Priority for removal
High: may become a major threat to conservation values anywhere it has taken hold.
Management (hand)
Not available.
Management (herbicide)
Cut plants to base then paint metsulfuron methyl 0.05 g/L + Glyphosate 50 %. Six weeks later carefully spray regrowth with metsufuron methyl 0.05 g/L + Glyphosate 1 % + Pulse®. Control in summer when actively growing. Some reports suggest control later in summer is more effective. Read the manufacturers’ labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides. Optimal treatment months are November to March inclusive.
Flowering month/s
January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
Flower colour/s
Yellow
Information source
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/1044
Additional information
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/weeds/swanweeds/
Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. and Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia, Second Edition, The Weeds Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park, Western Australia.
