Arrgh, Just bought what's supposedly robustum but when it arrived it looks exactly like X.sagittifolium (or what passes for sagittifolium in Australia) . Is there any way to tell the difference? Is it a contentious plant that taxonomists don't agree on? I was looking forward to a new big EE and now am crushed, arggh. Ann
Xanthosoma robustum vs Xanthosoma sagittifolium
Their is not much argument on sagittifolium but I have seen problems with robustum usually robustum has streaked stems with some purple or blue coloring to them. Their are arguments that their are several different forms or possibly hybrids with violaceum and atroverins. The following picture is one IDed as Xanth robustum by one of the leading botanist. The spath color is usually white to a slight pink on robustum. It would be yellow to a off white on sagittifolium.
I believe the botanist are having a hard time with this group but sagittifolium should be the easiest to ID and most common.
Brian, Thanks for that. From your description I'd say it's all sagittifolium. But when they flower I'll take a look. Just not enough of the big stuff in Oz!!! Ann