Black Bat Flower

Looking for something totally different and a little wild? Try this extraordinary and eccentric tropical flower, with a face that reminds visitors of a silky black cat or friendly bat. Blooming in late summer through fall, the Black Bat Flower is a member of the yam family, producing tall foliage and upright stalks topped with unusual flowers. Each near-black bloom produces long bracteoles that look like cats' whiskers, as well as purple-black, wing-like hanging bracts. Keep in mind that this tropical plant performs best in warm, humid locales. It must be lifted in winter, except in Zone 9 or warmer, and requires lots of humidity. If planted outdoors or in a patio pot, keep this plant well-watered, and consider using a humidifier if you're working indoors. Tacca chantieri 'Black'