Rare small Alocasia from Niah Caves, Borneo with narrow leaves

Alocasia venusta is a small, rare Alocasia that grows only in a limited area in northwestern Borneo, specifically around the Niah Caves in Niah National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia. The species is lithophytic and grows on limestone in swamp forests at an altitude of about 200 meters.

This is a small species that grows to a maximum height of about 45 centimeters, but typically only 30 centimeters. The leaves grow to about 25-30 centimeters long and are strikingly narrow and pointed. The leaves are fully peltate (the petiole attaches to the middle of the leaf), leathery, and have two shades of green: the leaf surface and margins are light green, while the center and main veins are dark green to almost black. The upper side of the leaves is shiny very dark blue-green and slightly darker around the main veins, the underside slightly paler.

Like many hard-leaved Alocasias, it bears only about 5-6 leaves at a time.

Botanical description

Alocasia venusta differs from the closely related Alocasia reversa by its more robust habit and more complex inflorescence. Unlike A. reversa, whose leaves are strikingly variegated, A. venusta is not variegated and remains significantly smaller.

The species is geographically separated from A. reversa, which is only known from southwestern Sarawak.

The specific epithet for this species comes from Venus, the Roman goddess of love, alluding to the plant's highly decorative qualities.

Care

With a little skill, it can also be kept as a houseplant, but we recommend a terrarium or plant cabinet. Thrives in semi-shade with high humidity (70-80%). Keep the soil evenly moist but well-drained. Ideal temperature 20-28°C. Buy Alocasia venusta online!