Kalo (Taro), Colocasia esculenta

Hawaiian name: Kalo (Taro),
Botanical name: Colocasia esculenta
Family: Araceae
Status: Polynesian-introduced
Where found: All Islands
Water/Light: Wet, with full to partial sunlight
Elevation range: All elevations
Height: Up to 7 feet

Notes: Hawaiians grew 200 to 300 varieties; today about 60 varieties remain. All cultivars can be grown in both lo'i, and in māla. All parts edible when cooked, oxalic acid causes irritation if eaten raw. Poi as staple food, used in religious rituals, as bait for 'opelu fishing, and for gluing kapa.

Location
The Garden is located at 150 Kanaloa Avenue in Kahului, Maui, right across from the War Memorial Stadium.
(808) 249-2798

Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Saturday,
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed occasionally for inclement weather and Hawaii State Holidays.

Admission
Members:   Free
General:   $10
Keiki Under 12:   Free
Kama'aina:   Free
(with Hawai'i ID)

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.