Tacca chantrieri
 
Common Names: Black Bat Flower, Devil Flower, Cat’s Whiskers
 
Zones: 10B–11 (or indoors in cooler climates)
 
A striking tropical perennial native to Southeast Asia, Tacca chantrieri is famed for its dramatic, bat-shaped inflorescences—deep purple to black bracts with long, whisker-like filaments that can reach over a foot in length. This understory plant thrives in humid, shaded environments and is a favorite among collectors for its gothic elegance and botanical rarity.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Clump-forming; rhizomatous; slow to moderate growth
Height: Typically 2–3 ft (60–90 cm); flower stalks may reach 4 ft (1.2 m)
Leaves: Large, glossy, lanceolate; up to 24 in. (60 cm) long; emerge from basal rosette
Inflorescence: Dark purple to black bracts; 2–3 large “wings” with dangling filaments up to 28 in. (70 cm); bloom spring through fall
Fruit: Small berries; rarely produced in cultivation
Ecology: Native to tropical rainforests; adapted to low light and high humidity
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogging
Soil: Rich, well-draining mix (e.g., orchid bark, peat, perlite)
Temperature: Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); sensitive to cold
Humidity: High (>60%); misting or humidity trays recommended
Propagation: By rhizome division or seed; slow to establish
Tolerance: Sensitive to cold, drought, and low humidity; best grown in protected tropical gardens or indoors
 
Landscape & Interior Use
Best suited for shaded tropical beds, conservatories, and high-humidity interiors. Its exotic form and eerie beauty make it a showpiece in curated plant collections. Pairs well with Anthurium crystallinum, Calathea warscewiczii, and Alocasia cuprea in dramatic, foliage-forward designs.