A species of swamps and lake margins, ranging from southern Mexico to Peru and the Amazon. Here in eastern Ecuador it is known as Yautia Madera and is used as an insect repellent.
Family:AraceaeLocal name: anthara tamaraA floating water plant inditches and ponds. It has balancing roots to float on the water, and stem modified to off set, a tiny 5 m.m white spadix is seen in the plant. The plant is used to treat skin diseases
The Giant Elephant's Ear is native to southeast Asia, where the stems are eaten despite high oxalic acid levels. Talas Padang in Indonesia. Lotusland, Montecito, Calif.