Don't confuse this native with its invasive relatives: taro (Colocasia esculenta) and malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), which have been widely planted as crops and/or ornamentals in Florida. Use in a water garden.

Both the common and scientific genus names refer to the lizard-like shape of the drooping flower head. This is a wetland plant. It can form dense patches making good groundcover in wet areas.

Less aggressive growth than similar Asian species. Blooms only on new wood. At least one cultivar has white flowers. Good trellis, post or fence vine. It's a legume, so it can grow in poor soils, but blooms much better with a richer soil mixture.