Discovering the Origin of Burle Marx Plant:
A Historical Perspective

The Burle Marx plant, also known as the Elephant Ear plant, is a popular tropical plant with large, heart-shaped leaves that resemble elephant ears. This plant is named after Roberto Burle Marx, a Brazilian landscape architect and artist who was famous for his use of tropical plants in his designs. But where did this plant originate, and how did it become associated with Burle Marx? In this article, we will explore the historical roots of the Burle Marx plant.

The Discovery of Alocasia Amazonica

The Burle Marx plant is actually a cultivar of Alocasia amazonica, a species of Alocasia that is native to Southeast Asia. Alocasia amazonica was first discovered in 1950 by an American botanist named William A. B. Cutting, who found it growing in the rainforests of the Philippines.

Cutting was immediately struck by the unique beauty of the plant, with its dark green leaves and striking white veins. He collected specimens of the plant and sent them to the United States for further study.

The Role of Roberto Burle Marx

Although Alocasia amazonica was discovered in Southeast Asia, it was not until Roberto Burle Marx began using the plant in his landscape designs that it became associated with Brazil.

Burle Marx was one of the most influential landscape architects of the 20th century, and he was known for his innovative use of tropical plants. He saw the potential in Alocasia amazonica as a dramatic and eye-catching addition to his designs.

Burle Marx first used Alocasia amazonica in his design for the Ministry of Education and Health building in Rio de Janeiro, which was completed in 1943. The striking contrast between the dark green leaves and white veins of the plant made it a perfect complement to the modernist architecture of the building.

From then on, Burle Marx continued to use Alocasia amazonica in many of his landscape designs, including his famous garden at Sitio Roberto Burle Marx in Rio de Janeiro. As a result, the plant became known as the Burle Marx plant.

The Popularity of the Burle Marx Plant

The popularity of the Burle Marx plant has only grown since its discovery. It is now widely cultivated as a houseplant around the world, prized for its striking appearance and ease of care.

One reason for its popularity is that it is relatively easy to propagate. The plant can be propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing the rhizome. With proper care, it will grow quickly and produce new leaves regularly.

The Burle Marx plant is also very versatile. It can be grown in a variety of conditions, from bright indirect light to low light. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought.

Conclusion

The Burle Marx plant is a beautiful and versatile tropical plant that has captured the hearts of many gardeners around the world. Its association with Roberto Burle Marx adds an interesting historical dimension to its story.

If you are looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant with dramatic visual impact, consider adding a Burle Marx plant to your collection.

FAQ

Q: Is the Burle Marx plant toxic?

A: Yes, like many members of the Araceae family, the Burle Marx plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause skin irritation and digestive problems if ingested. It is best to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.

Q: How often should I water my Burle Marx plant?

A: The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as humidity and temperature. In general, you should water your Burle Marx plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.

Q: Can I grow a Burle Marx plant outdoors?

A: Yes, but it will only thrive in warm climates with high humidity. In cooler climates, it can be grown outdoors during the summer months but should be brought indoors during winter.