Origin:  Hybrid
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:  Can reach 8'
Spacing:  1'
Blooms:  Bright yellow, mid-Summer
Foliage:  Deciduous, herbaceous, heartshape, green turning deep purple-black in sun
Soil:  Moist, acidic
Water:  High, especially in Summer
Uses:  Aquatic, indoors, container, beds, borders, shade garden, bog garden, pond, mass
Propagation:  Bulb/offset divisions
Caution:  Plant not edible
Insects/Disease:  Watch for aphids, spidermites, white flies

Comments:  Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic' or Cocoyam or Dasheen or Elephant Ear or Jet Black Wonder orTaro is a tender tropical perennial plant with a moderatae running growth habit.  It is a showy bulbous hybrid that spreads by above ground or underground runners.  Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic is easily propagated by bulb or offset divisions.  It thrives best in wet, acidic soil, in a sunny to part shade environment.  Elephant Ear 'Black Magic has exquisite heart-shaped, almost black foliage.  It is a water-loving plant.  Cocoyam loves water and it spreads by means of upper and ground runners.  Mass plant Jet Black Wonder Elephant Ear around ponds or in the bog garden for a terrific display.  Grow them in moist beds or borders.  Divide bulbs in Winter or early Spring.  Taro can also be container cultivated as indoor plants.  In colder areas, dig bulb in Winter, let dry and store in cool dry place and grow in Spring or bring container plant indoors and reduce watering.  Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic contrasts well when grown with other water-loving plants.  It is a terrific show-stopper.

USDA Zones:  7-11