Fairchild Botanic Garden

Common name: black bat flower (English)

Family: Dioscoreaceae (Yam)

Distribution: Assam to S. China and Pen. Malaysia

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Description: One of the most unusual plants introduced from areas of Malaysia, India, and East Asia, Tacca chantrieri, 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.  Tacca 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 40° or lower, the bat plant should be protected or moved indoors.