An encounter with Alocasia maquilingensis

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One of the larger Alocasia species endemic to the Philippines is Alocasia maquilingensis, a species superficially similar to the common and widespread A. macrorrhizos. In the field, one can easily determine this species from the latter by the downy indumentum covering the leaf undersides and petioles- you just have to touch and feel 'em! It is a very slow-growing plant that eventually forms a trunk similar to other large Alocasia species.

Alocasia maquilingensis petiole with short, whitish 'hairs'.

I found these plants on Mt. Makiling, the plant's namesake, while hiking with my friend Noel Malacad and his two sons. These plants are found only at a narrow altitudinal band and occur mostly with Elatostema, Schismatoglottis, and rattan (Calamus spp.). This species is not in general cultivation; I don't maintain even a single plant. Alocasia maquilingensis, despite its subtle tactile qualities that some might find intriguing, has very exacting ecological conditions and is very difficult to grow. This is one of those plants that you need to visit in its natural habitat to see!


Comments

  1. Unknown13 October 2021 at 02:24

    Wow for real? It is very hard to find and much harder to maintain im honor to have 2 alocasia maquelengensis in my garden :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jardinerong Sunog16 October 2021 at 23:46

      Hard to maintain- yes! There is a form with reddish petioles that are easier to keep alive, but these are very seldomly seen in private collections.

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