Alocasia brancifolia (Schott) A.Hay

• Genus: Alocasia
• Botanical Background: First described as Xenophya brancifolia by Heinrich W. Schott in 1863 (Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno‑Batavi 1:124), it was later reclassified as Alocasia acuta by Engl. and finally combined into Alocasia brancifolia by Alistair Hay in Aroids Papua New Guinea (1990).

• Geographical Range: Native to the Maluku Islands (Moluccas) of Indonesia and lowland to montane rainforests of New Guinea (both Papua Province, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea).
• Environment: Thrives in hot, humid tropical climates (Af in Köppen), typically as an understorey species in swampy lowland forests or occasionally in open sites.

Leaves

• Blade sagittate, anterior and posterior lobes deeply pinnatifid
• Venation raised adaxially, impressed abaxially
• Thin, membranous texture

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

•  Inflorescences paired, each subtended by a cataphyll and small prophyll
•  Peduncle ~4 cm; spathe ~15 cm long, ivory with longitudinal chocolate‑brown streaks, constricted 2.5 cm above base, persistent in fruit
• Spadix ~12 cm: female zone 1–1.5 cm with ~20 green pistils; sterile interstice ~2.5 cm; male zone ~4 cm with rhomboid synandria; appendix ~7 cm tapering slender
•  Fruits orange‑red berries
  

Growth Habit

• Arising from fleshy stems and subterranean stolons that terminate in small cormels. Leaves cluster atop erect brown stems

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Water when top 2–3 cm feels dry
• Maintain high humidity (above 60 %) via misting, pebble trays, or humidifier.

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a well‑draining, moisture‑retentive mix (e.g., potting soil plus perlite/pumice and orchid bark) to balance aeration and nutrient retention.

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Optimal range 18–30 °C (65–85 °F)
• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10‑10‑10) at half strength every 2–4 weeks during active growth; reduce in winter

Division and Cuttings

• Best propagated by division of rhizomes or cormels during repotting; ensure each section has at least one growing bud

Seeds

• Rarely used commercially due to slow, erratic germination; sow fresh seeds in warm, humid conditions for best results

Typical Issues

• spider mites, mealybugs, aphids and scale
• Root rot from overwatering

Treatment Recommendations

• Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays; encourage beneficial insects.
• Maintain proper watering, humidity, and inspect foliage regularly

• A cultivar ‘Pink Passion’ displays pink petiole markings instead of brown
•  Specific epithet from Latin branca (paw) + folia (leaf), referring to paw‑like lobes

• Prized for architectural foliage and striking stem patterns; a collector’s plant in specialty nurseries

Wild Population Status

• Not currently assessed by IUCN; wide distribution and cultivation suggest stable populations, though habitat loss may pose localized threats

Market Availability

• Occasionally available through specialist growers and aroid societies; cultivar ‘Nishihira’ appears in trade without formal recognition