Alocasia azlanii K.M.Wong & P.C.Boyce

• Genus: Alocasia
• Botanical Background: Described in Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica in 2016 by Ken M. Wong and Peter C. Boyce, A. azlanii honors Azlan Pandai of the Brunei National Herbarium for his field contributions.

• Geographical Range: Restricted to mixed dipterocarp forests of Brunei’s Tutong District on Borneo
• Environment: Grows on well‑shaded, moist ground above flood level along sandy‑clay banks of forest streams in equatorial lowland humid forest.

Leaves

• Blade broadly ovate‑elliptic
• Upper surface dark coppery purplish green; lower surface pale green
• Thickly coriaceous, margins sinuate with 2–3 primary lateral veins

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Solitary inflorescence with a peduncle ~6.5 cm long
• Spathe ~6 cm long, pale green to nearly white
• Spadix ~5 cm long with white pistillate and staminate zones and a subcylindric appendix
• Fruits globose, glossy white, ~8 mm diameter

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial perennial herb, 10–28 cm tall, arising from a condensed rhizome with clustered roots and rosulate foliage

Light Requirements

• Medium to bright indirect light; lower light reduces fullness and leaf intensity

Watering & Humidity

• Allow the top 2 cm of soil to dry before watering
• Requires high humidity but tolerates average indoor levels

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a well‑draining aroid mix (for example, peat‑based compost with perlite or sand) to prevent waterlogging

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Maintain 23–32 °C

Division and Cuttings

• Rhizome division is most effective due to the species’ clumping growth habit and rhizomatous roots

Seeds

• Declines rapidly once removed from the berry; sow fresh seed on a 1:1 sphagnum‑perlite mix, keep damp at 21–29 °C, with germination in 2–3 weeks

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids
• Susceptible to root rot if overwatered

Treatment Recommendations

• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7–14 days; for severe infestations consider a systemic pesticide
• Reduce watering, repot into fresh, well‑draining mix and apply a broad‑spectrum fungicide if needed

• Named for Azlan Pandai, this species features unique intramarginal collective veins not found in its closest relatives

• Highly prized for its compact size and iridescent foliage, making it a standout in terrariums, display cases, or bright tabletops

Wild Population Status

• Known only from a few localities; no formal IUCN assessment but limited range suggests potential vulnerability

Market Availability

• Rare in cultivation; occasionally offered by specialty nurseries and plant boutiques due to its recent discovery and high demand