Bat Plants
Tacca chantrieri (Black Bat Plant)
The black bat plant (Tacca chantrieri) is an unusual exotic plant that is native to tropical Asia. It grows well at Paluma, most often as a pot plant in a protected shaded position away from direct sunlight. The large flowers are striking and resemble a bat in flight. The flowers are black to deep purple with ruffled edges and long, hanging filaments. Large bright green leaves surround the bloom. Several gardeners at Paluma have spectacular specimens of the black bat plant. It flowers all year round, but seems to produce most flowers during the summer months.
Text and photo: Michele Bird
Tacca integrifolia (White Bat Plant)
The White Bat Plant (Tacca integrifolia) is a member of the yam family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to hilly regions of tropical and subtropical Asia where it thrives in the in the shady and humid understorey of the rainforest. The long, flowing ‘whiskers’ of this flower can grow to 30 cm long.
Text and photo: Colwyn Campbell