- **Type**: Tropical perennial (grown as an annual in cooler climates)

- **Height**: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters), can reach 6 feet in ideal conditions

- **Width**: 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters)

- **Growth Habit**: Upright, clumping, tidy, and robust

- **Foliage**:

- Large, heart-shaped leaves, up to 15 to 18 inches long (38 to 45 cm) and 10 to 12 inches wide (25 to 30 cm)

- Dark purple to glossy black with a ruffled texture and shiny finish

- Drooping orientation (unlike Alocasia, which points upward)

- Burgundy to dark purple petioles (stems)

- **Flowers**:

- Infrequent, yellowish-green spathe and spadix (calla lily-like)

- Not showy, often hidden by foliage, blooming sporadically in warm climates

- **Light**: Full sun to partial shade (best leaf color in bright light; too much shade dulls the black to dark green)

- **Soil**:

- Rich, moist to wet, well-drained; thrives in organically rich conditions

- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.0)

- **Watering**: High; loves consistently moist or boggy soil, even tolerates standing water

- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 7b to 11 (0°F or -18°C; tubers can be overwintered indoors in colder zones)

- **Wildlife**: Attracts few pollinators due to rare blooms; not deer-resistant

- **Care**:

- Fertilize monthly during growing season with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10)

- Lift tubers in fall in zones below 7b, store dry at 50°F (10°C), replant in spring

- Prune dead leaves to maintain appearance

- **Pests/Diseases**:

- Resistant to most diseases; may see aphids or spider mites

- Susceptible to root rot in cold, waterlogged soil

- **Uses**: Specimen plant, large containers, pond edges, tropical borders

- **Growth Rate**: Fast; reaches mature size in one season with ample warmth and moisture

- **Special Features**:

- Part of the Royal Hawaiian® series, bred for disease resistance and garden performance

- PP#19939 (patented cultivar)

- Glossy, jet-black foliage offers dramatic contrast

This elephant ear’s lustrous dark leaves make it a bold focal point or backdrop for brighter plants. Perfect for a tropical vibe! Let me know if you’d like care tips or more details!