The term “Cunjevoi” can refer to two distinct organisms: a marine invertebrate known as a sea squirt (Pyura stolonifera) and a large-leafed plant from the Alocasia genus. This article focuses on the plant, specifically Alocasia brisbanensis and Alocasia macrorrhizos, often called “Native Elephant Ear” or “Giant Taro.” These striking plants are native to eastern Australia, bringing a lush, tropical aesthetic to many landscapes.
Identifying Cunjevoi Plants
Cunjevoi plants, primarily Alocasia brisbanensis and Alocasia macrorrhizos, are recognized by their substantial foliage. They feature large, glossy, dark green leaves, typically heart-shaped or arrow-shaped, which can reach up to 1 meter long. These leaves are supported by thick, upright stems known as petioles. The plant forms a robust clump, with leaves emerging from a central rhizome.
In summer, greenish-cream flowers appear, resembling an arum lily with a spadix enclosed by a spathe. Following flowering, small, ovoid red berries, typically 8-15mm long, develop in clusters. These berries are not edible. Alocasia brisbanensis is generally smaller with pointed basal leaf lobes, while A. macrorrhizos has more rounded lobes.
Toxicity and Safety Precautions
All parts of the Cunjevoi plant, including leaves, stems, and rhizomes, are toxic due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals cause immediate irritation upon contact or ingestion. Ingestion can lead to a severe burning sensation and pain in the mouth, throat, and tongue, followed by swelling, difficulty swallowing, nausea, abdominal pain, and temporary hoarseness. Ingestion has, in rare cases, been fatal to children.
Skin contact with the sap causes burning and irritation, while eye contact is extremely irritating. When handling Cunjevoi plants, wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Keep these plants out of reach of children and pets. In case of ingestion, wipe any plant residue from the mouth and offer a cool drink or soft food. Seek urgent medical attention if swelling prevents breathing or swallowing, or if irritation persists.
Growing Conditions and Care
Cunjevoi plants thrive in warm, humid environments, ideally with temperatures from 18°C to 27°C and humidity above 60%. They are not frost-tolerant; temperatures below 15°C can cause damage. Regular misting or a humidifier helps maintain humidity, especially indoors.
These plants prefer indirect sunlight or partial shade. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch their leaves, so avoid it. While morning sun is tolerated, protect them from intense afternoon heat. Indoors, bright, indirect light near a window is suitable.
The ideal soil is rich, well-draining, and consistently moist but not waterlogged. A blend incorporating peat, perlite, and pine bark provides good moisture retention and aeration. Roots prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7). Water regularly to keep the soil moist, avoiding overwatering which can lead to corm rot. Fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Natural Habitat and Ecological Role
Alocasia brisbanensis and Alocasia macrorrhizos are native to the warmer coastal and sub-coastal regions of eastern Australia, from Queensland to New South Wales. They naturally occur in rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and along watercourses, thriving in moist, shaded conditions as understory herbs, benefiting from regulated water and limited light.
In their ecosystem, these plants provide ground cover. They also serve as a food source for some native fauna; birds like Lewin’s Honeyeater and Victoria’s Riflebird feed on their red berries, seemingly unaffected by the oxalate crystals toxic to humans and common pets. The leaves are a host plant for certain hawk moth caterpillars. Alocasia brisbanensis has naturalized outside its native range, including parts of Western Australia and New Zealand, where it is considered an environmental weed due to its rapid spread.