Breeding Breakthrough Produces Noninvasive Colocasias

Dr. John Cho of the University of Hawaii has achieved a significant breakthrough in colocasia breeding. Cho’s breeding of Royal Hawaiian Colocasias has beneficial attributes, such as short or no above- or below-ground stolons, also known as runners. The runner attribute is a characteristic of wild-type taros, which may be advantageous for the survival and spread of the species in the tropics, but not here in the landscape.

Colocasias with runners that have been introduced to the United States, which have subsequently escaped into the natural environment, have become a problem in certain subtropical areas and gained invasive plant status.

All of Cho’s ornamental hybrids that have been released have very short stolons or none at all. The rationale behind the release of these is to avoid introducing possibly invasive types. All future hybrids will have this attribute.

Currently, many of the colocasias on the market generate long stolons. Breeding the non-invasive characteristics of Dr. Cho’s hybrids with new ornamental attributes, or as replacements to those already being marketed, could revolutionize landscape plantings of colocasia.

For more information, visit the Royal Hawaiian Colocasias website. Or, read Lawn & Garden Retailer‘s recent story on colocasias.