Tacca chantrieri – black bat flower, a spectacular tropical rarity
Tacca chantrieri, also known as the Black Bat Flower or black bat flower, is an exotic tropical plant, fascinating for its unusual, almost black flowers with broad petals and long filaments resembling a bat's whiskers. It is a collector's species, valued both for its dramatic inflorescences and its glossy, deep green foliage.
🌿 Botanical characteristics:
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Family: Dioscoreaceae
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Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, southern China)
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Leaves: large, elliptical, glossy, with prominent veins; lush, tropical appearance.
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Flowers: blackish violet, spectacular, with 20–30 cm long filaments; it usually blooms in summer-autumn.
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Growth habit: herbaceous, medium-sized (up to 60 cm tall).
☀️ Growing conditions:
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Light: prefers bright, indirect light, without direct sun.
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Watering: regular; the substrate should be kept moist but well drained.
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Soil: loose, rich in organic matter – ideally a mix for tropical plants (peat + perlite + fine bark).
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Temperature: 20–28°C; avoid exposure below 16°C.
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Humidity: high; misting the leaves or using a humidifier is recommended.
💚 Benefits and uses:
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A rare, spectacular and exotic collector's plant.
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Its unusual flowers attract attention in any indoor space or greenhouse.
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Suitable for tropical plant displays, large terrariums or humid, bright spaces.
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Perfect for collectors of unusual plants.
⚠️ Note: The leaves may show imperfections caused by transport or acclimatization. These aspects are normal and do not affect the plant's health.
Height including pot approx. 65 cm