The Black Bat Plant is a very unusual plant from the yam family (Dioscoreaceae), grown for it’s bizarre flowers. It’s found naturally in Southern China, India and South-East Asia. This plant is distinctly tropical. It won’t handle prolonged cold periods and may suffer during periods of low humidity. Fortunately though, Black Bat Plant does grow quite well in Brisbane gardens, as long as it’s in a frost-free area. It’s larger cousin the White Bat Plant (Tacca integrifolia) is much more sensitive and may need winter protection, even in South-East Queensland.
Black Bat Plant is a true shade lover. It grows naturally in the damp and dark under-story of tropical rainforests. Replicate this environment in the garden by growing it under the shade of trees. Alternatively, Bat Plants will need to be grown under shade cloth (50-75% cut) as they won’t handle much direct sun. We don’t recommend this plant for indoors, but it may be possible in the right environment.
