Colocasia esculenta 'Jet Black Wonder' is synonymous with 'Black Magic'. The latter might be a better name, since the color of the leaves tends to be blue-black or purple-black more than "jet" black. Anyway, it's a very striking color that provides great contrast with other foliage. Though not the largest-leaved of Colocasias, it's definitely among the most striking. Colocasias need moist, if not wet, soil, and are good for bogs and the shallow ends of ponds. They can be grown in borders or in pots, but need to be kept very well-watered. This plant will form a patch, with striking purple stems to 5' tall. Hardiness is disputed, with some saying it will survive zone 7, others calling it a zone 9 and up plant. It should be hardiest in a pond or swampy area. All parts of the plant may cause mild stomach upset if ingested uncooked, but roots of the species are cooked to make the traditional Hawai'ian dish Poi.
