Taro

Taro (possibly a Maori word, it is kalo in Hawaiian) is a tropical plant (Colocasia esculenta in the family Araceae) grown for its edible root and other parts. The word kalo also refers to the corm at the top of the root. Taro is closely related to the elephant ear[?] and Caladium[?] plants commonly grown as tender ornamentals.

Taro is a traditional staple in many tropical areas of the world, and is the base for poi in Hawai'i. The root is actually inedible, causing severe gastrointestinal distress, unless it is properly processed first.

Taro is also used by some Taiwanese as an affectionate nickname for the Chinese Mainlanders.