Tania (Xanthosoma sagittifolium, H.W.Schott & S.L.Endlicher, Melet. Bot.: 19 (1832))

Family: Araceae

Author: (L.) Schott

Bibliography: H.W.Schott & S.L.Endlicher, Melet. Bot.: 19 (1832)

Year: 1832

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Xanthosoma

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Costa Rica to S. Trop. America

Description

Tania, known scientifically as Xanthosoma sagittifolium, is a fascinating member of the Araceae family. It was first described in detail by botanists H.W. Schott and S.L. Endlicher in 1832, showcasing the plant’s unique characteristics and its significance in botanical studies.

Native to regions ranging from Costa Rica to South Tropical America, Tania has adapted to thrive in a variety of tropical climates. This adaptability makes it a vital part of the biodiversity in these areas, contributing to both ecological balance and local agriculture.

Tania is particularly noted for its large, arrow-shaped leaves that not only add aesthetic value to its natural habitat but also serve important functional roles. These leaves are often used in traditional practices and local cuisines, highlighting the plant’s versatility and importance to indigenous cultures.

The robust structure and vibrant foliage of Tania make it an attractive option for ornamental gardening as well. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts appreciate its lush, tropical appearance, which brings a touch of the exotic to their collections.

Throughout its range, Tania plays a crucial role in both natural ecosystems and human activities. Its ability to thrive in diverse conditions and its multitude of uses reflect its significant place in the botanical world, as well as in the cultural practices of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: arrowleaf elephant’s ear, new cocoyam, tania, callaloo
Deu: tania, tania-goldnarbe
Fra: chou caraïbe, malanga marron, taye, tayove
Spa: malanga, ocumo, tiquisque blanco, yautía, yautía blanca
Swe: tannia
En: Tania, New cocoyam, Arrowleaf elephant’s ear, Callaloo, Elephant ear
Fr: Malanga marron, Chou Caraïbe, Taye, Tayove
De: Tania, Tania-Goldnarbe
Pt-br: Adão, Costela-de-adão
Es: Malanga, Ocumo, Tanier, Tiquisque blanco, Yautía, Yautía blanca
Sv: Tannia

Synonyms

• Philodendron nigrum (Kunth)
• Xanthosoma wallisii (Linden)
• Xanthosoma aureum (E.G.Gonç.)
• Xanthosoma atrovirens var. versicolor (K.Koch)
• Xanthosoma edule ((G.Mey.) Schott)
• Xanthosoma roseum (Schott)
• Xanthosoma atrovirens var. moritzii (Engl.)
• Xanthosoma xantharrhizon ((Jacq.) K.Koch)
• Xanthosoma atrovirens (K.Koch & C.D.Bouché)
• Xanthosoma atrovirens var. panduriforme (Engl.)
• Xanthosoma appendiculatum (Schott)
• Xanthosoma atrovirens var. hybridum (K.Koch)
• Xanthosoma atrovirens var. kochii (Engl.)
• Xanthosoma mafaffa (Schott)
• Xanthosoma atrovirens var. appendiculatum ((Schott) Engl.)
• Xanthosoma maculatum (G.Nicholson)
• Caladium edule (G.Mey.)
• Alocasia alboviolacea (Veitch ex J.Dix)
• Xanthosoma peregrinum (Griseb.)
• Xanthosoma poeppigii var. mafaffa ((Schott) J.F.Macbr.)
• Alocasia talihan (Elmer ex Merr.)
• Xanthosoma obtusilobum (Engl.)
• Caladium xanthorrhizon ((Jacq.) Willd.)
• Xanthosoma ianthinum (K.Koch & C.D.Bouché)
• Arum xanthorrhizon (Jacq.)
• Xanthosoma utile (K.Koch & C.D.Bouché)
• Caladium mafaffa (Engl.)
• Xanthosoma blandum (Schott)
• Xanthosoma violaceum (Schott)
• Xanthosoma monstruosum (E.G.Gonç.)
• Xanthosoma mafaffa var. blandum ((Schott) Engl.)
• Xanthosoma panduriforme (E.G.Gonç.)
• Xanthosoma mafaffa var. typicum (Engl.)
• Xanthosoma nigrum (Stellfeld)
• Caladium utile (Engl.)
• Arum nigrum (Vell.)
• Arum sagittifolium (L.)

Distribution

• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Borneo (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• Christmas I. (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Easter Is. (introduced)
• Gabon (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Gilbert Is. (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Torres (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Marty (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2020 by Hempel Nicole (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2021 by Dindin Burhanudin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Umit Umit (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken May 27, 2022 by tom Jamonneau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2019 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2003 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Flower

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Juan Agudiez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Kery Kat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Cristina (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2019 by april april miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2020 by wijaya adisti (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by f lemus (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by Silva Naah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by 410 josef (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by Horta Pérez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2019 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 27, 2021 by ℭ𝔩𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔰𝔰𝔢 ✝ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2022 by Sousa Belmiro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2021 by Raag Gouse (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Victoria Chaves Ramirez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:89373-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5330901)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott)

Specifications

Growth