Colocasia antiquorum, Schott. (SANKHALUKA)

Susruta mentioned it at once (S.S.Su.46/298). According to Thakur Balwant Singhji it may e some Dioscorea species with white tubers or an orchid like Pogonia flabelliformis Lindl. having a white tuber with a longitudinal spiral on the surface.  Author is of the opinion that sankhaluka need not have the colour of sankha but the tuber shape may resemble the shape of sankha.  Therefore, Colocasia antiquorum (C. esculenata var. antiquorum) is the correct source.

Botanical Description – There are many kinds of taro, and one member of the Colocasia family, Colocasia gigantea, produces no tuber, neither is the leaf eaten, but the leaf stalks are sliced and used in Cambodian and Vietnamese soups, lightly cooked and still crisp. Colocasia antiquorum ‘Illustris”, also called ‘Imperial Taro’ is a black-leaved elephant ear with striking vibrant emerald green veins. Proliferates in moist soil but will also thrive in regular garden soil. Plant in light shade for deeper black coloring.