There are some parts of the food forest where the canopy is starting to close up. In this low light environment the grasses are struggling to grow now. Today I planted an ‘ape (Alocasia macrorrhiza) which is commonly called elephant ear and is one of the canoe plants that the Hawaiian voyagers introduced to Hawaii. They thrive in the understory of the forest and is found growing in the valleys and near streams in partial shade. They require zero care and most of the time it is considered a weed. But this one is pretty special with a black stem which is kind of unusual. The corm is similar to kalo but contains much more calcium oxalate crystals. Therefore it needs to be cooked much longer and is usually eaten during times of famine. When the leaves get really big they are perfect to sit on for a picnic or around a camp fire.
Originally posted on 2021-08-14, part of the daily planting journal behind Ha’a Chocolate’s food forest on Hawai’i Island.