Rare Alocasia with a leaf shape similar to bat wings.

Alocasia nycteris can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and usually has 2 to 4 leaves.

The species was first shown to the public by plant enthusiast Antonio Advincula during a garden show in the Philippines in 2003. It was then named Alocasia advincula , but that name was never formally approved according to botanical rules.

Botanical description.

Alocasia nycteris is endemic to the northwestern part of Panay Island in the Philippines, mainly in the Nabas to Ibajay areas of Aklan and Antique provinces. It grows in lowlands, near sea level (0–20 meters above sea level), and thrives in shady environments, along roadsides, among rocks, in rice fields, secondary forest, and lowland forest areas.

The plant was first officially described in 2007 under the name Alocasia nycteris . The name “nycteris” refers to the bat genus, which alludes to the bat-like shape of the leaves.

Care.

With proper care, it is not difficult to make this species thrive. Water with the goal of letting the top 2-3 cm of soil dry out between waterings. Place the plant in indirect light, such as filtered direct light or sunlight reflected from a wall.

Feed with a very diluted potting soil (e.g. 1/8 of the dose) every week. Propagate the plant by dividing small tubers that emerge from the base.

Appearance.

The leaf stalks are green with dark green to black green stripes, and can grow up to one meter long.

The leaves are shiny and dark green on the upper side, lighter underneath, and have a spear to arrow shape. The edge of the leaves is strongly wavy, almost lobed, and the back of the leaf has two protruding “wings” that resemble bat wings, hence the nickname batwing alocasia . Buy Batwing Alocasia online!