ALOCASIA HETEROPHYLLA ‘BAHAMUT’
DESCRIPTION: Alocasia cfr. heterophylla ‘Bahamut’ is an undescribed cultivar or potentially a new species endemic to the Mindanao region of the Philippines, particularly in the provinces of Davao and Saranggani.
The cfr. is Latin for confer which can be translated to ‘compare' and in botany it is usually inserted between a genus and a species name to convey how the plant in question is comparable in appearance to an already known species. In the case of Alocasia cfr. heterophylla ‘Bahamut’ it has been observed to closely resemble Alocasia heterophylla in terms of their inflorescence anatomy.
Juvenile leaves are somewhat peltate and become petiolate (non-peltate) when they mature.
Leaves have around 6-8 lateral veins, which contrasts to the general Alocasia heterophylla which has a maximum of 5 lateral veins.
The name ‘Bahamut’ it a trade name added to the undescribed cultivar by Ayk Albano circa 2020, due to the resemblance of mature specimens’ leaves to the legendary dragon Bahamut
Photo by @tobiosphere
