Dear Pudji Ji,
Thank you very much for your kind mail.
I copy here the the keys of *Alocasia* as in the "Bengal Plants" :-
A. Leaves not or very slightly peltate :-
Leaves ovate-cordate; lower nerves approximate, subpalmate ------- *A.
cucullata* Schott. (1)
Leaves sagittate-cordate; nerves pinnate -------- *A. indica* Schott.
(2)
B. Leaves distinctly peltate, the basal lobes connate, nerves pinnate :-
(i) Basal lobes of leaves united for less than half their length -
Leaves broadly ovate; basal lobes rounded, connate for only one
tenth their length ------ *A. macrorrhiza* Schott. (3)
Leaves ovate-lanceolate; basal lobes acute or obtuse but not
rounded, connate for one-third to one-fourth their length ---- *A. fornicata
* Schott. (4)
(ii) Basal lobes of leaves connate for three-fourths their length; leaves
elongated-rhomboid. candate-acuminate, contracted opposite the basal lobes
---- *A. acuminata* Schott. (5)
Using the above keys i thought my species could be either no.3 or no.4. I
scaled the basal lobes of five leaves of this plant, the connate portion
varies from 1/5th to 1/9th their length,
I would have suggested *A. macrorrhiza* Schott. For, Roxburgh noted in
Flora Indica, "..... blossoms from close of the rains till January.....
polished (leaves) on both side..... petioles from two to three feet
long..... smooth, polished, of an uniform green in every part..... spathe
... both side smooth and of a pale green colour.... berry numerous, size of
a small cherry, ..... of a shining scarlet...."
The above very much conforms to this species in this thread. But, at the
same time the "Bengal Plants" and the "FLora Indica" described *A.
macrorrhiza* Schott. as a cultivated species. Roxburgh noted, ".... From
Pegu this most stately species of *Arum*, *Caladium* of Ventenat, was sent
by the Rev. Mr. Felix Carey, to the Botanic Garden at Calcutta, where it
thrives luxuriantly and blossoms from close of the rains till January.....
The flowers possess a considerable degree of fragrance which to most people
is agreeable, a rare quality in the flowers of an Indian *Arum*....."
That's why i suggested the other one, *A. fornicata* Schott. AT the same
time i admit that i didn't smelled its flower which i regret now.
Thank you once again,
Regards,
surajit
On Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 8:02 PM, Pudji Widodo <[email protected]> wrote:
> Dear Surajit Ji,
>
> I think your choice of Alocasia is acceptable. The long stem in the
> picture below indicates Alocasia not Colocasia. But I am not sure about
> the correct name. I think you are right. Good on you.
>
> Pudji Widodo
> Fakultas Biologi Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
> PURWOKERTO 53122 *INDONESIA*
>
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