Taro is an aquatic food plant whose underground corm is the well-known "taro root." Besides being a staple food, it can be processed into various pastries and desserts, such as taro cake and taro balls. Taro leaves have a waxy, water-repellent surface that causes rainwater to form droplets and roll off, simultaneously cleaning dust and mud from the leaves.

Taro and Giant Alocasia (Alocasia macrorrhizos) both belong to the family Araceae. While they look similar, Giant Alocasia is toxic throughout the entire plant, especially its underground corm. Accidental contact with its sap or ingestion can cause skin irritation and poisoning.