Colocasia esculenta. It's an edible plant, but all you Latinists out there knew that. Specifically, it's the corm or root, not the leaves, that you eat. Hawaiians cook and mash it into paste to make poi, the traditional island dish.

Make a bold gardening statement by growing elephant ears in a container, above left. They thrive in sunny or shady conditions but require plenty of water.

Less culinarily but not less exotically, mainland Americans grow this plant for its show-stoppingly large, ornamental leaves. Thus, the common name elephant ear is appropriate.

Next time you're in the garden center, buy a few roots (they're the size of a softball) and try them out in your garden. They like dampness, but because they're tropical, wait until the ground has warmed up before putting them in. Elephant ears will grow in sunny or shady conditions, which is one reason gardeners find them extra versatile. They perform well in pots, too. (Remember to keep them well watered.)

Ordering elephant ears online is easy. Try one of these sites: • springhillnursery.com • henryfields.com • whiteflowerfarm.com

Like other tender perennials that you want to preserve, these beauties should be dug up in the fall and stored indoors until the next spring. Sometimes, if you leave them in the ground all winter, they'll return the following summer, but they won't be so showy.

The astonishing and dramatic foliage of the elephant ear can literally give you pause. Huge, ripply, heart-shaped leaves and gently arching habit will leave you hooked on this stunner. If you're the bold and experimental type, try colocasia 'Black Magic,' a ravishing black variety. Or, mix and match. Have fun.

Muumuus not required.