How to Grow Native Hawaiian 'ape
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Native Hawaiian 'ape
Alocasia macrorrhizos subsp. macrorrhizos
vegetable'Ape is a large-leafed tropical aroid native to Hawaii, cultivated primarily for its edible corms and young leaves. It was a staple starch crop for Native Hawaiians and remains culturally significant in Hawaiian agriculture. The plant produces massive heart-shaped leaves and underground corms that can weigh several pounds.
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Example Native Hawaiian 'ape timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Native Hawaiian 'ape
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Native Hawaiian 'ape
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical and subtropical zones 10b-12; requires warm temperatures year-round
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Get my Native Hawaiian 'ape timeline →Growth Stages
Sprouting
2-3 weeksSmall shoots emerge from planted corms; initial roots developing underground
Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain warm temperature (75-85°F). Provide filtered light. Watch for rot if soil is too wet
Vegetative Growth
3-4 monthsMultiple leaves unfurl; plant develops robust petioles and expands leaf canopy. Underground corm begins enlarging
Water frequently; maintain high humidity (60-80%). Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Thin competing shoots if multiples emerge. Remove lower yellowing leaves
Mature Growth
3-6 monthsLarge heart-shaped leaves (1-3 feet long) reach full size. Underground corm significantly enlarges; secondary cormels may form
Continue consistent moisture and humidity. Apply potassium-rich fertilizer to encourage corm development. Mulch around base to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature
Flowering
2-4 weeksSpadix inflorescence (calla lily-like flower) emerges; creamy-white spathe with yellowish spadix. Flowering is optional and not necessary for corm production
Flowering indicates plant maturity. Can remove flowers to redirect energy to corm growth, or leave for cultural/ornamental purposes. Pollination is possible but not required
Harvest Ready
Continues until harvestCorms have reached desired size (4-12 inches diameter or more); foliage may slow growth. Leaves remain healthy and green
Stop heavy fertilizing 2-3 weeks before harvest. Maintain steady moisture. Plan harvest timing; can be harvested earlier for smaller corms or left longer for maximum yield
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick adults and nymphs; use kaolin clay spray; encourage beneficial insects; remove heavily infested leaves
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; isolate infested plants; prune heavily infested areas
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Prune infested stems; apply horticultural oil; maintain plant vigor with proper care
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and
Remove by hand; use copper barriers; mulch management; encourage natural predators
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; remove affected corms; improve air circulation; use disease-resistant source material
Uses
Staple starch and nutritious corms
Culinary'Ape corms are a traditional Hawaiian starch source, prepared by boiling, baking, or pounding into poi. They are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, with a creamy texture when cooked. Young leaves are also edible when cooked and remove calcium oxalate crystals through proper preparation. [source]
Traditional Hawaiian healing applications
Medicinal'Ape was used by Native Hawaiians for treating wounds, digestive issues, and inflammation. The leaves contain bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Modern research supports traditional uses in managing blood sugar and supporting digestive health. [source]
Cultural food security and traditional farming
Household'Ape is central to Hawaiian cultural identity and lo'i practices. Growing 'ape supports food sovereignty, preserves traditional Hawaiian agriculture, and maintains cultural connection to the land. It can be a key crop in homestead food production in tropical regions. [source]
Habitat and biodiversity support
Wildlife'Ape creates a lush microhabitat with large leaves providing shelter for beneficial insects, spiders, and native species. The plant's wet soil preference supports diverse soil microorganisms and can attract native Hawaiian birds and pollinators. [source]
Ornamental and landscape use
CraftThe impressive large heart-shaped leaves make 'ape an excellent tropical ornamental plant for creating dramatic foliage displays. It adds structure and visual interest to tropical gardens, container displays, and Hawaiian-themed landscapes while remaining productive. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest corms 8-12 months after planting when leaves begin to slow growth or yellow. Carefully dig around the plant to expose the main corm without cutting it; gently extract. Can harvest smaller cormels from around the main corm while leaving the plant to continue growing. In Hawaii, traditional harvest occurs in late fall through winter. Young leaves can be harvested year-round for cooking, but do not over-harvest or plant vigor declines. Handle corms carefully to avoid bruising, which can lead to rot during storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Ape (Alocasia macrorrhizos) is sometimes confused with taro (Colocasia esculenta), but they are distinct species in the aroid family; 'ape produces larger leaves and different-flavored corms that were equally important to Hawaiian food culture.
- 🌱 The name 'ape comes from Hawaiian tradition; the plant was so integral to Hawaiian life that different cultivars were named and maintained by individual families, each with unique flavor and texture characteristics.
- 🌱 'Ape corms can reach enormous sizes—up to 15+ pounds in ideal conditions—and have been documented in Hawaiian archaeological records dating back centuries, making them one of Hawaii's most ancient cultivated crops.
Gardening Terms
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