Cosmos, Nasturtiums, and ? on "Elephant Ears"

[Frosted Rabbits]

I have a few garden flowers-- Cosmos, in the patio area--don't know the scientific name offhand-- but Rascal and Marsha helped themselves to some of them (forget the purslane that was in there!) Looks like they can go on the 'Safe Plants" list. Oh, and Don't forget Nasturtiums!

Now, my HHA told me today, that Jamaicans take the leaves of "elephant Ears, boil them, and eat them,-- use them as a wrap the way we would make "cabbage rolls'
So, anybody know if they would be considered 'safe'? I have GOT to find some scientific names---

 

[eco2pia]

The "elephant ears" they sell at the garden center here are taro root plants--so I think you should try looking that up for the latin name.

 

[MaggieJ]

No one seems to agree on this, Terry.

Try googling cosmos flower edible and you'll get a lot of information. much of it contradictory.

I find putting in the common name often gives you a Wiki entry that helps you to ensure you have the same plant and also gives the botanical name. Once you have that you can get better information.

 

[Frosted Rabbits]

The garden Cosmos-- cosmos caudatus is edible, bur common cosmos, Cosmos Bippinnatis is toxic-- and is a native plant in Florida Hmm, the taro root is what poi is made from-- looks like my garden Elephant ear may be edible-- but I don;t think I want my buns decimating it! elepahnt ears have over 70 varieties, falling into three groups-- so, probably best left alone unless you are sure..

 

[eco2pia]

I would agree that elephant ears are "probably" edible. However I think they are too nice and slow growing for the buns!!

 

[hoodat]

As Maggie has so often cautioned be sure you have the right botanical name for your plant. The name "elephant ears" covers a lot of broad leafed plants, some of them highly toxic to the point where you should not even have them in your garden if you have children while others would be perfectly safe to feed rabbits. I would play it safe and not feed any of them since there are so many other greens available that are well known to be safe.