Violet Stemmed Taro, Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii', is a tender herbaceous perennial with large, dark green heart-shaped leaves on dark purple (almost black) stalks and calla-like white flowers. It grows 4 – 6 feet tall and about 5 feet wide in wet soils or shallow water. Plant in light shade with protection from wind. Although tender to 30 – 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it will often resprout from the base. All parts of taro are poisonous.