Batflowers have the Latin name Tacca chantrieri and are generally black. One of these unique and Unique Flower types can grow to 12 inches. In addition it has a 'mustache-whiskers' that can grow up to 12 inches like the picture above flower plants.
This plant has many synonyms, namely Clerodendrum esquirolii, Schizocapsa breviscapa, Schizocapsa itagakii, Tacca esquirolii, Tacca garrettii, Tacca macrantha, Tacca minor, Tacca paxiana, Tacca roxburghii, Tacca vespertilio, and Tacca wilsonii.
In addition, in Indonesia this plant is known as the flower black bat It has several names in English, among them* Bat Lily, Black Bat Flower, Cats Whiskers, Devil Flower, and Bat Head Lily.*
Morphologically
Tacca chantrieri is known for its uniqueness of flower arrangement and color. This perennial plant has an arrangement of flowers (inflorescence or inflorescence) such as bats and black, so called black flower bats. The inflorescence consists of 4 bracts (protective leaves) that are so wide as to resemble wings, bracteoles that are so long as to resemble a cat's whiskers, as well as smaller flowers with 5 petals resembling berries.
Tacca chantrieri has long stems with broad green leaves on the upper surface and grayish green on the lower surface. The leaves are oblong to oblong-elliptical, with a length of 60 cm and width of 25 cm. The root of the rhizomes is thick and the shape is close to the cylinder.
The appearance of the flower of Tacca chantrieri is similar to that of Tacca integrifolia. The difference is in the color of flowers. Tacca integrifolia has a white flower so called white bat flowers. In addition, Tacca integrifolia has a greater height than the Tacca chantrieri, which is about 4 meters, almost double the size of a black bat flower.
About the multiplication of this flower
The plant was first discovered by Charles Baron Clarke (botanist from England) can be propagated by using seeds or separate rhizomanya.
If using the seeds, take the seeds when the wrapping of the seeds is dry or the seed has fallen. Then, wipe the seeds from the sticky layer that wraps them and dry for a few days. After that, soak the seeds in hot or warm water for 24 hours (can use a thermos to keep the water temperature unchanged).
If using a rhizome, when separating it, make sure that every part that is separated has shoots. If you want to put in pots, look for large pots, at least have a diameter of 15 cm. And, try each pot consists of only one rhizome, because these plants do not like to grow jostling.
the spread of this interest
Black bat flowers are native to Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Malaysia and southern China, especially Yunnan Province.
Terms grow from this flower
This plant can grow optimally in dry soil with good air circulation. However, its growth can be maximized if placed in areas with high humidity, warm (but do not get direct sunlight), and plenty of water.
Fertilization can be done for 2 weeks once with liquid fertilizer.
The benefits of this flower plant
In traditional Chinese medicine, Tacca chantrieri has been used as an herb to treat various diseases. This plant is believed to have a good antiinflammatory substance, so it is good for treating burns, gastric ulcers, and scratches. In addition, black bat flowers have also been used to treat hypertension.
