Alocasia reginula | |
---|---|
Leaves | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Alismatales |
Family: | Araceae |
Genus: | Alocasia |
Species: | A. reginula |
Binomial name | |
Alocasia reginula | |
Alocasia reginula, black velvet, is a species of flowering cormous aroid (family Araceae), native to Sabah state in Malaysia. [1] This plant, often referred to as one of the "jewel" Alocasias (along with several other diminutive Alocasia types), became increasingly popular among plant hobbyists between the years 2018 to 2020. Until as recently as 2021 though, not much was known about the plant or its origins. Originally described from cultivation, and often sold as “Alocasia 'Black Velvet'”, it is not a modern cultivar or hybrid; A. reginula is its own natural species. [2] [3] It is only known from dry, deeply shaded limestone cliffs in Tabin Wildlife Reserve. [3] As a houseplant it needs sharp drainage or it will be very likely to rot. [4]
Many plant vendors and stores sell houseplants in far too thick and dense of potting media. A beneficial practice is to simply remove the plant, briefly, to amend the substrate and add more porosity and drainage. Some examples of acceptable substrate amendments for Alocasia (of all types) include perlite, pumice, small to medium orchid bark, coconut coir, coconut chips, sphagnum moss, LECA, or a combination of some or all. Alternatively, many growers report successful, thriving growth when the corms are planted in pure sphagnum moss.
The Araceae are a family of monocotyledonous flowering plants in which flowers are borne on a type of inflorescence called a spadix. The spadix is usually accompanied by, and sometimes partially enclosed in, a spathe. Also known as the arum family, members are often colloquially known as aroids. This family of 140 genera and about 4,075 known species is most diverse in the New World tropics, although also distributed in the Old World tropics and northern temperate regions.
Alocasia is a genus of rhizomatous or tuberous, broad-leaved, perennial, flowering plants from the family Araceae. There are about 90 accepted species native to tropical and subtropical Asia and eastern Australia. Around the world, many growers widely cultivate a range of hybrids and cultivars as ornamentals.
Anthurium is a genus of about 1,000 species of flowering plants, the largest genus of the arum family, Araceae. General common names include anthurium, tailflower, flamingo flower, and laceleaf.
Alocasia sanderiana, commonly known as the kris plant or Sander's alocasia, is a plant in the family Araceae. It is endemic to Northern Mindanao in the Philippines, but is commonly grown as an ornamental plant worldwide. It is classified as critically endangered in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, the mini monstera, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, genus Rhaphidophora. It is native to Southern Thailand and to Malaysia.
Alocasia baginda, the dragon scale plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Kalimantan, Indonesia. As a houseplant it is rare in commerce, with the unimproved species, and the cultivars 'Pink Dragon' and the smaller 'Silver Dragon' occasionally available.
Alocasia wentii, the hardy elephant's ear, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to the highlands of New Guinea. Occasionally kept as a houseplant, the unimproved species and some variegated cultivars are commercially available.
Alocasia reversa is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Borneo. In its native habitat it is found on limestone outcrops, so as a houseplant it does not need heavy watering. It gets its specific epithet from the fact that its color pattern is reversed from the typical Alocasia, that is, its coloration is darker on and near the veins.
Alocasia infernalis is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Kalimantan, Indonesia and Sarawak state, Malaysia. It gets its specific epithet from its dark leaves—nearly black with purple veins—that exhibit a baleful red iridescence depending on the angle of the light and the position of the viewer. Occasionally kept as a houseplant, it has been nicknamed "Black Magic". Other names associated with Alocasia infernalis, which may represent incipient common names, or cultivars, include "Black Panther", 'Kapit', and 'Viery'.
Alocasia nebula is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Sarawak state, Malaysia. As a houseplant it is said to be the most difficult Alocasia to grow.
Alocasia melo is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Sabah state in Malaysia. It grows on ultramafic soils. In the houseplant trade it is often sold as "Alocasia rugosa" due to its highly rugose leaves.
Alocasia reginae is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Borneo. Occasionally kept as a houseplant, there are cultivars available, including 'Miri' and 'Elaine'.
Alocasia venusta is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, found only in the vicinity of the limestone Niah Caves of northern Sarawak, Malaysia. A lithophyte with narrow, canoe-shaped leaves, it is considered obscure even by Alocasia enthusiasts and is rarely found in commerce.
Alocasia azlanii, the red mambo, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Brunei, and first described in 2016. With its red to purple patterning on and near its leaf veins, it is sometimes kept as a houseplant.
Alocasia sarawakensis is a species of flowering plant in the elephant ear genus Alocasia, native to Borneo. Unusually for an aroid, it is a freshwater swamp forest obligate, preferring well-lit situations. A large species, it can reach 8 ft (2.4 m). A cultivar, 'Yucatan Princess', is commercially available.
Alocasia brancifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to the Moluccas and New Guinea. With its heavily dissected leaves it is sometimes kept as a houseplant. There appears to be a cultivar, 'Pink Passion', in which the markings on the petioles are pink instead of the usual brown.
Alocasia princeps is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Borneo. With its V-shaped leaves it is sometimes kept as a houseplant. There are two cultivars, 'Purple Cloak' and 'Candy Sticks'.
Alocasia scalprum, the Samar lance, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Samar island, the Philippines. Well known from cultivation as a houseplant in the Philippines, and introduced to aroid enthusiasts as Alocasia cv. Samar Lance in 1984, it was not formally described as a species until 1999. Its glossy, lance-shaped leaves with embossed veins take on a blue sheen when mature. It is similar in appearance to Alocasia heterophylla.
Alocasia longiloba is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae. It is the namesake of a species complex. The complex has a widespread distribution; Guangdong, Hainan, and southern Yunnan in China, mainland Southeast Asia, and western and central Malesia.
Alocasia chaii is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Sarawak state, Malaysia. Occasionally cultivated for its coriaceous leaves that remain peltate even when mature, it is considered obscure even by Alocasia enthusiasts and is very rarely found in commerce.