Taro

Karkalo (common names: Colocasia, Taro Leaf, Dasheen, Arbi Patta; botanical name: Colocasia antiquorum) is the Nepali name for the taro plant, which comes from a tuberous root. It is a tall-growing plant that has clusters of attractive, heart-shaped leaves resembling the beautiful ornamental variety of the elephant ear plant. The leaves are usually broad, bright green, and velvety to touch. In Nepal, we use all three parts of the plant including the leaves (karkalo ko paat), the young stalks (gaabaa or gaavaa), and the taro tubers or corms (pidhaalu).