Bat Flower, Tiger Beard, Cat's Whiskers, Devil Flower
Tacca chantrieri, commonly known as the Black Bat Flower or Cat’s Whiskers, is a tropical perennial prized for its otherworldly, bat-shaped flowers and striking foliage. Native to the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia, this rare and exotic plant captivates gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike with its dramatic appearance. Its unique black, purple, or dark brown blooms, adorned with long, whisker-like bracts, make it a standout addition to indoor collections or shady outdoor gardens.
The Black Bat Flower belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family, which also includes yams (Dioscorea). Despite its exotic appearance, this Bat Flower is surprisingly adaptable when grown in the right conditions.
The Black Bat Flower is a tropical herbaceous perennial that grows from rhizomes. Its most captivating feature is its peculiar inflorescence, resembling a bat in flight. The flowers, which can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) across, are a deep blackish-purple or chocolate brown and are complemented by long, thread-like bracts that can measure up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length.
The plant produces lush, glossy green leaves that are large and lance-shaped, creating a dense, tropical canopy that contrasts beautifully with the dark flowers. Blooming from spring through early fall, the unique blossoms are carried on tall, slender stems that rise above the foliage.
Another Bat Flower, the White Bat Flower (Tacca integrifolia), is less commonly cultivated yet highly prized for its striking white bracts, which can span up to 18 inches (45 cm) wide. This captivating plant, larger than its relative, grows to an impressive height of 36–48 inches (90–120 cm), showcasing its equally unique beauty.
The Black Bat Flower is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China. It thrives in the understory of dense forests, where it benefits from filtered light, high humidity, and consistently warm temperatures. In its native habitat, it plays an ecological role by attracting specific pollinators drawn to its unusual flowers.
The Black Bat Flower is a clump-forming, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial with an upright, spreading habit. It grows from fleshy rhizomes that store energy for its seasonal blooms. The plant forms dense clusters of foliage, making it a striking centerpiece in tropical or shaded garden settings.
The Black Bat Flower typically reaches a height of 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) and spreads 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) wide.
The dark, bat-like flowers are both bizarre and beautiful. Measuring up to 12 inches (30 cm) across, the blooms feature long, thread-like bracts that cascade downwards, resembling long whiskers and enhancing the flower’s dramatic appearance. The central structure includes multiple small, tubular flowers arranged in a cluster.
Blooming from spring to early fall, this plant has the remarkable ability to produce flowers up to eight times within a single growing season.
The plant may also produce small, fleshy fruits that contain seeds. However, fruiting is rare in cultivation, especially indoors.
The glossy, dark green leaves are large and lance-shaped, reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length. The foliage emerges in a rosette pattern and provides a lush, tropical backdrop for the striking flowers. The leaves are slightly pleated and have prominent veins, adding texture and interest to the plant’s overall appearance.
The Black Bat Flower thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 55°F (13°C). In cooler climates, this unique plant can be grown indoors or in greenhouses where conditions mimic its native tropical environment.
Ornamental Uses:
Ecological Uses:
The Black Bat Flower relies on flies and beetles for pollination. These insects are attracted to the flower’s dark color and subtle scent, which mimic decaying organic material. This relationship highlights the plant’s unique ecological niche within tropical rainforests.
Though not proven toxic to humans, the Black Bat Flower may cause allergic reactions. Handle with caution to avoid irritation. This Bat Flower contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be harmful if ingested by pets such as cats and dogs. Consumption may lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
The Black Bat Flower is not considered invasive due to its specific environmental requirements and relatively slow growth. It is unlikely to spread aggressively in cultivated settings or non-native habitats.
White Bat Flower (Tacca integrifolia)
Tacca chantrieri thrives in bright, indirect light. It mimics the filtered sunlight of its native rainforest understory. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Plant in a well-draining, rich, organic soil mix. A blend of peat, perlite, and compost works well to replicate the plant’s natural conditions.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the growing season. Reduce feeding during the dormant period in winter.
Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance. Use sterilized tools to prevent the spread of disease.
In cooler climates, grow the plant indoors during winter. Maintain warm temperatures and high humidity to prevent dormancy.
The Bat Flower is typically resilient to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance plant for most gardeners. However, there are a few key considerations to ensure its health and vitality:
Beyond their ornamental appeal, Tacca chantrieri is valued for its medicinal properties. The rhizomes are used in traditional medicine to address conditions like high blood pressure, gastric ulcers, and hepatitis. They also serve as a source for compounds like taccalonolides, which have been explored for their anticancer potential.
Yes, Tacca chantrieri is considered rare due to its specific growing requirements, such as warm temperatures, high humidity, and well-drained soil. While it is cultivated in some regions, it is not widely found in the wild or in general garden centers.
Atropa belladonna, commonly known as Deadly Nightshade, is considered the most toxic flower to humans. Containing potent alkaloids like atropine and scopolamine, it can cause hallucinations, paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. Even small amounts of its berries, leaves, or roots are lethal, making it infamous in history and folklore.
Yes, Tacca chantrieri can be mildly toxic to dogs if ingested. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset. Keep the plant out of reach of pets.
Tacca chantrieri is a perennial plant, meaning it grows and blooms over multiple years when provided with proper care and conditions.
Tacca chantrieri typically blooms from spring through early fall, depending on the growing environment. It can produce multiple blooms in a single season under optimal conditions.
No, Tacca chantrieri is not a carnivorous plant. Despite its exotic appearance, it does not trap or digest insects like carnivorous plants such as Venus Flytraps or Pitcher Plants.
| Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12" - 24" (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Garden Uses | Patio And Containers |
| Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12" - 24" (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Garden Uses | Patio And Containers |
How many Tacca chantrieri (Black Bat Flower) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Tacca chantrieri (Black Bat Flower) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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