Tacca chantrieri

Tacca chantrieri, also known as the Black Bat Flower, is a species of flowering plant in the yam family Dioscoreaceae. Native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China, it is known for its unusual black flowers.

Description

The Tacca chantrieri is a perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. The plant's most distinctive feature is its black flowers, which can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. These flowers are surrounded by long 'whiskers' that can grow up to 28 inches long, giving the plant its common name, the Black Bat Flower. The plant also has large, glossy green leaves that can reach up to 24 inches in length.

Cultivation

Tacca chantrieri prefers a warm, humid environment with indirect light. It requires well-drained soil and regular watering. The plant is not frost-tolerant and must be kept indoors in cooler climates. Despite its exotic appearance, Tacca chantrieri is not particularly difficult to grow, but it does require patience, as it can take several years to flower from seed.

Uses

While primarily grown for its ornamental value, Tacca chantrieri also has a history of use in traditional medicine. In some cultures, the plant's roots are used to treat wounds and infections.

Conservation

Tacca chantrieri is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many tropical plants, it could be threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation.

See also

• List of Tacca species
• Dioscoreaceae