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Black Bat Flower

Tacca chantrieri

(Common names: Bat Flower, Cats Whiskers, Devil Flower)

A most unusual plant introduced from parts of Malaysia, India, and East Asia, the Bat Plant will make you look twice. The main attraction of the plant is the strange, unique, purple-black flowers. The flowers superficially resemble a bat in flight with long whiskers, and can grow up to 10 inches long. Taccas can be picky about their environmental conditions; however they grow fast and flower a lot when the conditions are just right. The Bat Plant should be planted in partial shade and in a humid and warm environment. Soil should remain consistently moist, not allowing the plant to dry out between waterings. In winter months, when temperatures drop to 40F or lower, the Bat Plant should be moved indoors, or into a greenhouse to protect it from cold damage. Makes a great container plant and is a real conversation piece.

 

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Uploaded on July 15, 2017
Taken on January 20, 2016