Family: Araceae Form: Water plant Origin: Native to India Weed Type(s): Weed, Quarantine Weed, Naturalised, Introduced, Environmental Weed, Cultivation Escape

Notes: Taro is a perennial aquatic herb with tuberous roots and large arrow- or heart-shaped leaves 150 x 350mm on sturdy stalks.

Taro is dispersed by water and humans and although first recorded as naturalised only in 1996 it is now spread along many creeks and rivers.

It has the potential to become a major weed along Queensland tropical and subtropical coast and northern NSW.

Taro is grown widely as a food plant and there are several cultivars. It is readily available.

References:

Randall, R. P. (2002). A Global Compendium of Weeds. R. G. & F.J. Richardson, Melbourne.
Batianoff, G. N. (2004). Personal communication.