A newly described Alocasia from Sulawesi in Indonesia.

Alocasia suhirmaniana is a species that was described quite recently, in 1998, and it is still uncommon both in cultivation and in the wild. It comes from a small area in Kolaka Utara on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, and seems to be quite rare in the wild.

Alocasia suhirmaniana has shield-shaped leaves that are shiny dark green on top and deep purple underneath. The leaves are on long, spotted petioles.

Botanical description

The natural range of this species is southeast Sulawesi. It is a geophyte or shrub-like plant and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome.

The species is sometimes confused with "watsoniana", which is now not considered a separate species but is seen as a form of Alocasia longiloba .

There is still very little documented information about Alocasia suhirmaniana, which makes it especially interesting for collectors.

Appearance

The most distinctive feature of the species is the large, beautifully patterned leaves that are said to be over 80 cm long, something that is also confirmed by some pictures. In appearance, it resembles Alocasia "watsoniana", but differs in that the leaves are larger.

The species has clearer veins that do not divide before the leaf edge, and the leaf shape is rounder. The underside of the leaves is also deep purple instead of red. Buy Alocasia suhirmaniana online!