Vietnamocasia dauae N.S.Lý, Haev., S.Y.Wong & V.D.Nguyen

• Genus: Vietnamocasia
• Botanical Background: Described in Phytotaxa (2017) by Lý, Wong, Haevermans & Nguyen and genus name combines “Vietnam” + classical “kolokasia” root used for related Araceae genera.

• Geographical Range: Endemic to Quảng Ngãi Province, Central Vietnam.
• Environment: Shady understory of moist, broad‑leaved tropical forests and prefers well‑drained, humus‑rich soils with high humidity and stable temperatures.

Leaves

• Elliptic to oblong‑elliptic, peltate, thickly coriaceous
• 22–39 × 7–14 cm
• Glossy dark green above, lighter

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Nodding inflorescences borne 2–3 together
  
• Spathe limb pale green externally, white internally
• Spadix shorter than spathe, with cylindrical pistillate zone and free staminate flowers lacking synandria

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial perennial herb with elongated epigeal stems and irritant white latex
  
• Produces a short rhizome
• No climbing habit observed

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct sun

  Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate evenly moist (not waterlogged)
• Maintain >60% humidity

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a well‑draining aroid mix (peat, perlite, bark)

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal 18–30 °C

• Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer during active growth

Division

• Divide clumps by rhizome segments with ≥2 leaves

Seeds

• No cultivated seed propagation documented

Typical Issues

• Watch for root rot (overwatering), spider mites, mealybugs
• Ensure good airflow

Treatment Recommendations

• Reduce watering to treat root rot
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests

• Monotypic genus discovered only in 2017
• Unique within Araceae for free (non‑synandrous) staminate flowers

• Highly prized by collectors for rarity and unusual inflorescence structure

Wild Population Status

• Endangered (IUCN EN B2ab(iv,v))
• <200 mature individuals known in situ, habitat threatened by land‑use change

Market Availability

• Extremely rare
• Not commercially available