Cunjevois in the Clearings

Throughout the rainforest, wherever trees have fallen, a cycle of decay and regrowth commences. Elephant-eared Cunjevoi Alocasi macrorrhizos is an early coloniser of these newly opened spaces.

Cunjevois were used by Aboriginal people as food and medicine, but they are toxic if not processed correctly. They are one of those plants that you have to flush in running water before consuming. Then the roots can be pounded into paste and cooked as little patties.

Cunjevois are also known as giant taro on the Pacific islands, and they are a member of the Arum family.