A fitting flower for this Halloween weekend is the black bat flower or Tacca chantrieri.  This plant hails from parts of Asia and is a real show stopper when it is in bloom.

Tacca chantrieri or black bat flower at Belle Isle conservatory

The “wings” are actually the bracts of the flower, not the actual flower. The flower can be up to 12″ across and the whiskers hanging down can be up to 2′ long. I’ve only ever seen this flower in a conservatory, but I have read that they can work as a houseplant. Put them in bright light, but not direct sun. Warmth and humidity is the key to their success inside, and never let them dry out. If I find one to buy, I might try it. Let me know if you have one growing as a houseplant and how it is doing.

Happy Halloween!

Black bat flower