Alocasia odora
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Alocasia
Species:
A. odora
Binomial name
Alocasia odora
Synonyms[1]
  • Caladium odorum Ker Gawl.
  • Arum odorum (Ker Gawl.) Roxb.
  • Colocasia odora (Ker Gawl.) Brongn.
  • Arum odoratum Heynh.
  • Alocasia commutata Schott
  • Caladium odoratissimum K.Koch
  • Alocasia tonkinensis Engl.

Alocasia odora (also called night-scented lily, Asian taro or giant upright elephant ear) is a flowering plant native to East and Southeast Asia (Japan, China, Indochina, Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, Taiwan).[1][2] In Manipur, India, its local name is hoomu. Traditionally, A. odora (called ray) is sometime used as a medicine for the treatment of the common cold in North Vietnam.[3]

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.[4]

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.[5]

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 raphides (or calcium oxalate crystals).[6] Consumption of undercooked aroid leaves can result in several uncomfortable symptoms; side effects range from an itchy, sharp sensation in the esophagus, similar to a feeling of “broken glass” or sand being swallowed (usually lasting no more than several hours), to abdominal pain, hot and cold flashes, nausea and vomiting. However, similarly to another, more common taro plant, Colocasia esculenta—called arbi in the Hindi language)—the corm (root bulb) of A. odora is sometimes boiled and mashed like potatoes. As with the green plant material, the corm should also not be consumed raw or undercooked. In Japan, there are several cases of food poisoning by accidental consumption. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare warned not to eat A. odora (Kuwazuimo), which looks similar to edible Colocasia gigantea (Hasuimo) or the aforementioned C. esculenta (Satoimo).[7][8][9]

Typical of leafy green vegetables—and despite its toxicity if prepared incorrectly—the leaves of this plant are rich in vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, riboflavin, iron, phosphorus and zinc. Additionally, they are a very good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, copper, and manganese. Taro corms are very high in starch, while being somewhat less starchy than potatoes; the forms are a good source of dietary fiber. Like its stems and leaves, oxalic acid may yet be present in the corm, albeit in trace amounts.

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. [10]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alocasia odora.
Wikispecies has information related to Alocasia odora.
  1. 1 2 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. ↑ "Alocasia odora (Lodd.) Spach., 1846". TaiBNET. Taiwan: Biodiversity Research Centre, Academia_Sinica. Retrieved 2016-05-01.
  3. ↑ 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
  4. ↑ "Alocasia Odora Variegata - Everything You Need to Know". Gardening it. 2020-04-08. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
  5. ↑ Tanaka, Yoshitaka; Van Ke, Nguyen (2007). Edible Wild Plants of Vietnam: The Bountiful Garden. Thailand: Orchid Press. p. 29. ISBN 978-9745240896.
  6. ↑ Jeong Mi Moon, et al. 'Toxicities of raw Alocasia odora', Human & Experimental Toxicology. Abstract
  7. ↑ "「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.
  8. ↑ 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.
  9. ↑ 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.
  10. ↑ Wyatt, Sara (2022-10-08). "Alocasia Odora ( Night-Scented Liliy) | Elephant Ear Plant Care". Plants Insights. Retrieved 2023-10-28.


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