Alocasia azlanii, a rare tropical plant, care and cultivation
🖤🌿 Alocasia azlanii
A rare tropical plant, a botanical gem for discerning collectors.
Introduction
Some rare tropical plants don't seek the limelight. They command attention quietly. Alocasia azlanii is one of those species that is discovered late in life, often after years of collecting, when one's eye is already trained and one is no longer seduced solely by size or variegation.
Alocasia azlanii is not something you can tame hastily. It invites you to slow down, to observe the veins, the texture of the leaf blade, the way the leaf captures the light. For many plant enthusiasts , it marks a turning point towards a more botanical, more conscious collection.
Original description and botanical identification
Alocasia azlanii was officially described in 2016 by KM Wong and PC Boyce in Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica . It is recognized as a new, distinct species, and not as a simple variation of already known species.
From its initial description, botanists highlighted its superficial similarities to Alocasia beccarii and Alocasia peltata , two small Alocasia species with peltate and glabrous leaves. However, detailed morphological analysis quickly revealed clear and consistent differences.
It is precisely this kind of plant that fascinates lovers of rare tropical plants in Europe , because it lies on the border between visual discretion and botanical richness.
Related species and distinguishing criteria
Alocasia azlanii is clearly distinguished from its closely related species by several key characteristics.
Differences with Alocasia beccarii
• Presence of very visible marginal and intramarginal veins
• In beccarii, only the marginal vein is clearly marked
Differences with Alocasia peltata
• Presence of confluent secondary veins forming collective interprimary veins
• Staminal zone of the spadix only partially included in the lower chamber of the spathe
• Different habitat, azlanii growing in mixed dipterocarp forest
These are the details that only become apparent with time. In the beginning, we focused mainly on color. Today, we observe the structure first, because it's what tells the plant's true story.
Typus and context of discovery
The type specimen of Alocasia azlanii comes from Brunei, in the Tutong district, within the Ladan Hills Forest Reserve. It was collected on June 7, 2015, in bloom, in an alluvial forest located above the flood level, along a tributary of the Benutan River.
This location is not insignificant. It explains a large part of its behavior in cultivation. Unlike some Alocasias from acidic heath forests, azlanii thrives in a more stable environment, with high humidity but without prolonged stagnation.
Natural geographic distribution
The known distribution area of Alocasia azlanii remains relatively restricted.
Observed regions
• Borneo
• Brunei, Tutong district
This limited distribution greatly contributes to its status as a rare tropical plant , highly sought after by collectors in France and Europe. Its rarity is not artificial; it is primarily linked to its specific habitat and its recent discovery.
Original climate and natural conditions
Alocasia azlanii thrives in a low-altitude equatorial climate.
climate parameters
• Constant humidity between 80 and 90 percent
• Temperatures between 23 and 32 degrees
• Very high annual rainfall
When we first started growing it, we thought we would have to significantly increase the humidity. With experience, we realized that this plant prefers stable rather than excessive humidity , combined with good air circulation.
Ecology and specific habitat
In nature, Alocasia azlanii grows in moist but well-drained soils, in shady areas, along the banks of small, shallow streams. It thrives in sandy clays, typical of mixed dipterocarp forests.
This ecology explains why it tolerates poorly
• Compact substrates
• Stagnant water
• Prolonged droughts
It is a plant of balance, just like many rare tropical plants that one learns to understand over time.
Detailed botanical description of the species
Alocasia azlanii is a small, compact herb, measuring between 10 and 28 centimeters in height.
Vegetative characteristics
• Thin and compact stem
• Leaves grouped together, interspersed with lanceolate cataphylls
• Pale green, hairless, partially sheathing petiole
The leaf blade is broad, ovoid to elliptical, with a dark coppery-purple upper surface and a light green lower surface. The primary veins are very visible on both surfaces, giving the leaf a subtle but pronounced relief.
It is a plant that does not seek exuberance. It seduces through the precision of its details .
Variegated forms and observed variations
Variegated forms of Alocasia azlanii exist.
• White variegation
• Speckled foliage
As with many rare variegated tropical plants , caution is advised. A true variegated azlanii always retains
• Its pronounced ribbing
• Its fine texture
• Its compact silhouette
Culture in France and Europe
Good news for European enthusiasts, Alocasia azlanii grows very well indoors or in a greenhouse.
Ideal growing conditions
• Temperature between 20 and 28 degrees
• Soft to bright indirect lighting
• Moderate and stable humidity
• Regular but light watering
We used to make the mistake of treating it like a large Alocasia. Now, we adapt the watering to its compact root system, and the difference is striking.
Recommended substrate and root management
The choice of substrate for rare tropical plants is crucial for Alocasia azlanii .
An ideal substrate should
• Be very well ventilated
• Quickly drain excess water
• Retain a light and constant level of humidity
Our premium substrates have enabled the long-term stabilization of this species, avoiding the root problems frequently experienced by plant addicts.
Known horticultural hybrids
Alocasia azlanii is already being used in remarkable horticultural crosses.
Notable hybrids
• Alocasia Andromeda
• Alocasia Green Unicorn
• Alocasia Java Miracle
These hybrids demonstrate the growing interest in this species in the world of rare tropical collector plants .
Botanical and horticultural summary
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Alocasia azlanii |
| Origin | Borneo, Brunei |
| Size | 10 to 28 cm |
| Foliage | Copper green, purple |
| Habitat | Dipterocarp forest |
| Level | Passionate collector |
In short
Alocasia azlanii is a rare tropical plant of understated elegance, born from a specific habitat and a recent discovery. It appeals to plant enthusiasts seeking meaning, botany, and observation. When cultivated properly, it becomes a centerpiece in a modern and thoughtful collection.
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