The large green leaved giant, grown around the world for food, is also used as an ornamental in the landscape.It is known as the âblack elephant ear plantâ or taro. Colocasia esculenta Black Magic brings the same durable, easy to grow, foliage plant, combined with new looks and style for the tropical landscape.For those who love bold tropical effects,âBlack Colocasia esculentaâ gives plenty to get excited about.The black elephant ear is seductive like its cousin the Alocasia (African mask plant). It grows best when planted in a rich soil with warm temperatures and lots of light. A single large pot of black elephant ears makes an unmistakable tropical effect.