caladium

[ kuh-ley-dee-uh m ]

/ kəˈleɪ di əm /

any of several tropical American plants of the genus Caladium, of the arum family, cultivated for their variegated, colorful leaves.

Origin of caladium

1835–45; < New Latin: orig. coined as genus name for taro on basis of Malay kəladi (spelling keladi) araceous plant; see -ium

Their food consists principally of batata, besides some gabi (caladium).

The Former Philippines thru Foreign Eyes |Toms de Comyn
Caladium, or Elephant's Ears, should be lifted without disturbing the stem or leaves.

Trees, Fruits and Flowers of Minnesota, 1916 |Various
I stood in the fountain court, leaning against a column and listening to the spray as it blew over on to the caladium leaves.

Affinities and Other Stories |Mary Roberts Rinehard
Lastly, how are we to account for the beauty of autumnal tints in woods, or coloured leaves in plants such as the Caladium?

Creation and Its Records |B.H. Baden-Powell

The hoactzin, Opisthocomus, feeds to a great extent upon the leaves of the aroid Montrichardia or Caladium arborescens.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 7 |Various

caladium

/ (kəˈleɪdɪəm) /

any of various tropical plants of the aroid genus Caladium, which are widely cultivated as potted plants for their colourful variegated foliage

C19: from New Latin, from Malay kěladi araceous plant