Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’ is grown for its intensely dark colored large elephant ears. The flowers, produced in winter, are the typical aroid shape and are frequented by several species of tropical bees and flies drawn to the citrusy fragrance. This plant can take very wet soils and has become a favorite of water gardeners looking for a plant with a tropical flare. Prefers full sun but can be grown in partial shade with a reduction in the depth of color of the leaves. The specific epithet (species name), esculenta, refers to the edible nature of the roots (taro or dasheen). An important source of starch in the humid lowland tropics where the plants are grown along streams where the temperatures remain between 70 and 80 degrees F and rainfall is in excess of 100” per year. The roots are eaten boiled, baked or roasted. Wear gloves when cleaning and removing the skins of the tuber prior to cooking as an irritant in the skins can cause allergic dermatitis in sensitive individuals.