Leea macrophylla – Elephant Ear Tree

Description

A very beautiful, upright, herbaceous shrub or small tree with spectacular, very large leaves to 60 cm across and a thick, fleshy rootstock. Native to India, Nepal, southwestern China and Southeast Asia, it is occasionally planted as an ornamental. The leaves are edible as a vegetable but of limited palatability. Leea macrophylla has also been investigated for anti-cancer properties and is used in traditional medicine.