The giant taro is a member of Arum family from the tropical rainforests of south-east Asia and northeastern Australia where it thrives in consistently moist, well-drained soils and partial shade. The leaves of this plant are a bright green with scalloped edges and can grow to three to six feet in length and point upward.

Giant taro is not hardy in Chicago and the rhizomes can be lifted and overwintered in a cool, dry, dark location and replanted in the summer when overnight temperatures exceed 60 degrees. Because of the extremely fast growth during the summer months this plant is a heavy feeder and requires consistent moisture. Although cultivated for primarily ornamental purposes these plants have edible roots like most taro plants.