Description: An endemic of Borneo, this monumental species is found in a variety of habitats ranging from forest clearings to streamsides. It is renowned for having among largest undivided leaves of any land plant, with blades reaching up to 4 meters in length and 2.5 meters wide. The leaves are green with distinctive white waxy reverses. The inflorescences are borne in clusters at the base of the leaves. In the Sarawak form the spathe is violet with the lower part white with scarlet flecks. Alocasia robusta is sometimes offered under the name Alocasia ‘Borneo Giant’ although many of the plants sold under this name are not true A. robusta.
Cultivation recommendations: Although rare in cultivation, A. robusta is not a difficult species to grow. Plants require continual warmth and humidity as for other tropical lowland species. Soil should be rich but well drained, and the plants appreciate daily watering especially as they grow larger. Bright light is preferred.
