Colocasia gigantean is native to Thailand and a member of the Araceae family which includes taro and the gingers. In their native habitat the stems of the leaves are used to feed pigs and these same stems can be used in human food. In the United States, the plants are marginally hardy in Zone 8-10. In the colder months of October-June they become dormant and lose their leaves, in the hot months of July-September, they grow very rapidly to a height of 6 feet or taller. The leaves can be 3 feet wide and 5 feet long.