Alocasia micholitziana

Scientific name: Alocasia

micholitziana Sanders Family: Araceae

English names: Velvet gabi Engl.); green velvet taro (Engl.), Micholitz’s aroid (Engl.)

Distribution: Luzon (Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao). Endemic .

Habitat: In damp, shaded lowland forests.

Description. This is a perennial leafy herb that grows to 50 cm or taller. The leaves are simple, alternate, arrow-shaped, with long petioles, undulate margins, creamy white-veins and dark- velvety, green surface. The spathe is hooded and the spadix is finger-like, cream colored.

Propagation: Readily propagated by, stem cuttings and by seeds.

Botanical Notes: This beautiful aroid was named by Henry Sander in 1912 in honor of the German botanical collector Mr. Wilhelm Micholitz. It grows best in full to moderate shade on diffused light. The plant is variable and several cultivars are now available in the market including the popular ‘Frydek’

Conservation: It used to be common in the lowland forests in the Philippines but is now scarce because of overcollection for ornamental purposes. The plant is now widely propagated in nurseries here and abroad and is widespread. Forest destruction and over collection are threats to the natural population of this species.

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