Alocasia brisbanensis

cunjevoi

ARACEAE

Description

Cunjevoi is a large herb usually growing to between 600mm and 900mm in height. The heart shaped leaves are held erect by long, deeply channelled and winged petioles which are borne on a thick, sometimes erect rhizome. All parts of this plant are poisonous, containing calcium oxalate crystals. This species is difficult to tell apart from the introduced Alocasia macrorrhizos, the most obvious differences being that A. brisbanensis is generally a smaller plant, has pointed basal lobes on the leaf (as opposed to rounded on A. macrorrhizos) and the shape of their inflorescences.

Cultivation

This hardy plant prefers a moist, sheltered position in some shade. It can be propagated from fresh seed or by division. Plant in well drained soil.

Uses

The sap of the cunjevoi was used to treat stinging plant (Dendrocnide moroides) stings.

Etymology

a = not, colocasia

Further Information

Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants