Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri) – Southeast Asia
Tacca chantrieri is a type of plant that blooms and belongs to the yam family called Dioscoreaceae. It was first identified in 1901 by Édouard André. This plant comes from Southeast Asia and is commonly known as the black bat flower because of its appearance. The black bat flower mostly pollinates itself, which is unique among plants. It thrives in environments similar to its native region, which means it prefers warm and moist conditions. People have used this plant in traditional Chinese medicine for various purposes, including treating common illnesses and even diseases like cancer. In the Tacca genus, there are ten different species, but Tacca chantrieri is often called the bat flower, devil flower, or cat whiskers due to its distinct characteristics. Unlike most flowers, its flowers are black in color. The plant has large wing-like bracts and can grow flowers up to 12 inches wide. It can reach a height of 50-100 cm, and its bracteoles resemble long whiskers hanging from a bat, measuring 8-10 inches. Some scientists believe that these bracteoles might have the ability to perform photosynthesis.
Scientific Name | Tacca chantrieri |
Common Name | Black Bat Flower |
Family | Dioscoreaceae |
Genus | Tacca |
Origin | Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand and Burma |
Habitat | Tropical rainforests |
Description | Large, dark purple to black flowers resembling bat wings. Has long, whisker-like bracts hanging from the center. |
Bloom Time | Typically blooms from late spring to early autumn |
Flower Size | The flowers can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter |
Growing Zones | Typically grown in USDA zones 10-12 |
Light | Partial shade to full shade |
Soil | Well-draining, rich soil |
Watering | Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged |
Fertilization | Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season |
Propagation | By division of rhizomes or from fresh seeds |
Maintenance | Remove spent flowers and dead leaves regularly |
Pests | Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects |
Diseases | May suffer from root rot if overwatered |
Special Features | Unique and striking appearance, often used as a focal point in tropical gardens or as a houseplant |
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Table of Content
- Top 10 Unique Flowers in the World
- List of Top 10 Rare Flowers in the World
- Blue Puya (Puya berteronian) – South America
- Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii) – Canary Islands
- Middlemist Red Camellia (Camellia species) – China
- Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) – Central America
- Catherine Wheel Pincushion (Leucospermum catherinae) – South Africa
- Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) – North and Central America
- Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) – Philippines
- Monkey Face Orchid (Dracula simia) – South America
- Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) – Europe
- Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri) – Southeast Asia