Latin Name: Tacca chantrieri

Description: Commonly known as the Black Bat Flower, this very rare and unusual species produces bright green elliptical leaves with prominent veining that can grow up to 18 inches long! The stunning flowers are held aloft on sturdy stems above the foliage and usually appear in the late fall or winter. The flowers are enclosed by a pair of large, black, batwing shaped bracts. From these bracts erupts a set of long, drooping, greenish whiskers that sit between the bracts and true flowers, which are produced in a cluster in the center. They open as six-petaled maroon black flowers with prominent stamens. 

Watering: Keep moist but not wet during active growing season. 

Growth Rate: Moderate
Shape: Upright, Mounding
Sun or Shade: Avoid direct sunlight always, but during the winter, allow them to sit in as much indirect light as possible.
Difficulty level: Difficult