Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Ornamental - It is used as an ornamental plant prized for its dramatic height, large leaves, and beautiful flowers. Food- Tuberous roots were eaten in pre-Columbian Mexico and leaves are still eaten in Guatemala.
Mexico to Colombia
Thrives in warm climates with full sun and well-drained soil.
It is perennial herb similar to garden dahlias but grows much taller reaching impressive heights in a short time.
Stem is tall, straight, and thin, resembling bamboo with a smooth texture. Hollow when cut.
Leaves are very large with a maroon color, resembling bamboo foliage. Long branches sprout from the main trunk, creating a dramatic structure.
Flowers are large, pendulous (hanging downwards) with shaggy lavender petals and yellow centers.
Fruit is dry, single-seeded fruit that develops from a single fertilized ovule. After the flower fades, a brown "bud" forms. This bud is actually the dried remains of the flower head with persistent petals.
Flowering: May-June.