What: Maui Magic, a variety of colocasia esculenta, is part of a large family of tropical-looking plants also known as elephant ears.
This plant features 2-foot-long, exotic purple-black leaves that eventually change to olive green with purple veins. It grows well in containers or in the landscape, but it requires a lot of water, so would be a good choice for a bog or pond. They are not winter-hardy.
All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
Sun or shade: It will thrive in filtered shade or full sun. The more light it receives, the more water it needs.
Size: It can reach 5 feet high.
See it: You can find this plant in front of the blue entrance columns at the Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett; www.evergreenarboretum.com; 425-257-8597.
Source: Sandra Schumacher, Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens Foundation
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