Tacca integrifolia aka Batplant

Tacca integrifolia is known as bat flower. It is an evergreen perennial: it lives for years and keeps its leaves year-round. Its native range runs from Bhutan to western Malesia. It grows in wet tropical climates and forms leafy clumps. Kew puts it in the yam family, Dioscoreaceae. It grows from rhizomes, a type of stem. Gardeners grow it for its odd blooms and bold leaves.

Grown plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. The RHS gives a height near 3.9 feet [1.2 metres]. Clumps spread about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. They take two to five years to reach full size. Large leaves shaped like lance heads rise on long stalks. Their tops are dark green, with paler shades beneath. The leaves add interest even when the plant has no blooms.

Flower stalks rise to about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. They hold groups of small flowers above the leaves. The blooms may be white, green, purple or brown. Four large bracts frame each group. These leaf-like parts may be green or deep purple. Long, pale green parts hang like whiskers. They grow darker with age. The RHS says it blooms in summer. Missouri Botanical Garden gives July to September as the bloom period. Both the blooms and leaves give the plant its value for display.

Grow this tender plant in a warm greenhouse or conservatory. It suits pots and sheltered patio displays in summer, too. The RHS rates it H1B. This allows growth outdoors in warm summers. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 10–12. Give it bright light through a filter, not an exposed spot. Missouri Botanical Garden also lists part to full shade. The RHS calls for equal parts leaf mould and coarse bark. Add a slow-release plant feed. Keep the mix well drained, and water well all year. Mist in summer and feed the leaves at half strength then.

This plant needs close care. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its care needs as high. Repot every two to three years. Remove rhizomes that show signs of decay. It needs no pruning. Grow new plants from seed or split well-grown clumps. Grey mould can affect the plant. Watch for red spider mites and tarsonemid mites. Slugs and snails may cause trouble, too. The supplied sources give no food uses. They do not assess whether the plant is toxic. They do not show that any part is safe to eat.