Remusatia vivipara (Hitchhiker Elephant Ear)

Part Sun to ShadeZone: 7b-10 36" tall Origin: Himalayas, Australia, Africa

This bizarre genus of easy-to-grow aroids usually occurs in the wild as epiphytes (growing without soil on trees or rocks). Despite this alternate lifestyle, R. vivipara makes a superb garden plant in the soil as well. In late spring, the very glossy green leaves emerge, forming a dwarf clump to 2-3' tall. Once the tuber is large enough, the new foliage will be accompanied by cool, fragrant, yellow flowers. In late summer, remusatias show why they were banished into a separate genus with their bizarre stolons that arise from the tuber and grow erect to 10" tall. Each stolon is laden with tiny fuzzy hooked tubercles (bulbils in need of a shave), which can be used to propagate more plants. In Third World countries, a rub derived from the tubers is used to treat arthritic pain. If you like unusual plants, this is a must! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)