Accepted:
Yes
Established:
No
Nomenclatural Notes:
Published in:
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Released Year:
Propagated:
Yes
Cultivar Type:
Sport
Originator:
William Rotolante
Namer:
Denis Rotolante
Seed Parent:
Alocasia sanderiana
Pollen Parent:
Alocasia longiloba ‘Watsoniana’
Base Species or Cultivar:
Alocasia 'Amazonica'
Cultivar Origin:
Name Origin:
The ‘Purpley’ name is due to the purple tint that is visible on the adaxial sides at certain angles and in certain types of lighting. The purple can be more dramatic during cooler temperatures.
Growth Habit:
Alocasia 'Purpley' is a compact herbaceous perennial that typically reaches 18–48 inches (45–120 cm) in height and 1.5–3 feet in spread when grown as a houseplant or in suitable conditions. It grows from a rhizome or tuber, producing leaves in a clumping, upright manner.
Leaf Blade:
The most striking feature is the foliage. Leaves are sagittate (arrowhead-shaped) to cordate, often with prominent, contrasting veins that appear white, silver, or light green against a very dark background. The upper surface (adaxial) is deep green to near-black or navy, frequently showing a purple tint or sheen depending on lighting and angle—hence the name "Purpley." The leaf texture is glossy and somewhat thick. The underside (abaxial) is typically a rich, deep purple or reddish-purple, enhancing the dramatic effect. Leaves can measure 12–24+ inches long, with bold venation patterns that aid in identification within the genus.
Bloom and Fruit:
It produces a creamy-white spadix surrounded by a greenish or whitish spathe.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Alocasia 'Purpley' exemplifies the morphological diversity of the Alocasia genus—large, veined, arrowhead leaves on a rhizomatous base—but is distinguished scientifically by its mutant-derived extreme dark purple-green foliage with contrasting veins and purple undersides.
