Rare Alocasia from New Guinea with lobed leaves and snake-patterned spathe in pink and chocolate brown

Alocasia boa is a rare and distinct alocasia from western New Guinea, where it grows in wet tropical habitats. The species name "boa" refers to the snake-like color and pattern of the spathe, resembling the skin of a boa constrictor.

It grows up to about 1 meter tall. The leaves are arrow-shaped and shallowly lobed (pinnatifid) with lobes that are approximately as wide at the base as they are deep, and have slightly serrated edges. The leaves reach about 40 centimeters in length and 27 centimeters in width at the base.

The petioles are particularly beautiful, marbled in pink and chocolate brown, and can grow up to 55 centimeters long. The rhizome is erect to leaning and can reach up to 1.5 meters in length.

The inflorescences are borne in pairs on short stalks with a purple-pink spathe marbled with chocolate brown, about 16 centimeters long. The berries are orange-red.

Botanical description

Alocasia boa is morphologically intermediate between Alocasia hollrungii and Alocasia brancifolia, and it was initially thought that the plants cultivated in Port Moresby were hybrids between these species. However, the type collection is outside the known distribution range of A. hollrungii, which confirmed that it is a distinct species.

It is distinguished from A. hollrungii by its mottled spathe, heavily lobed stigma, and slightly lobed leaves.

Care

Thrives in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun. Water when the soil has dried out slightly and avoid overwatering, which easily causes root rot.

Requires high humidity (60-70%) and airy, well-draining soil. Ideal temperature is 20-28 degrees Celsius. Give the plant plenty of space as it can become quite large.

Fertilize monthly during the growing season.