Don't quote me on this but I think they are related to Lillies botanicaly. The leaves look similar to green Afican elephant ears hence the name. They are a tropical to subtropical plant that grows in moist places.
There's alot more info if you all use the word "Taro" and you will find allot of surprises where it is being used today. Also check out the natural vitamins and minerals that are contained in each portion of the plant. You cannot eat "taro" raw. And the ones that you see as landscaping etc., don't dare eat it. There's many varities from different places, and the best known and sought after is the purple taro called.."Leihua" They also come in different colors and flavors as well. Due to recent storms and climate changes, Hawaii crops have decreasedtremendously causing the prices to soar in markets.
Maybe it was the fact that it wasn't prepared by someone who was good with it, but it wasn't my cup of tea. I would compare it to starchy half set glue.
. I do keep in mind that if you want good southern food you go to the south, if you want good Hawaian food you go to Hawai.Sorry if I miss spelled that.