The Complicated History of the Alocasia sp ‘Jacklyn’

How a tropical plant from Sulawesi became a plant-world sensation.

In the ever-shifting landscape of plant trends, few species have caused quite as much commotion as the Alocasia sp ‘Jacklyn’. With its jagged, antler-like foliage and electric green veins, it’s not hard to see why collectors and enthusiasts became infatuated. But behind its striking appearance lies a tangled tale of cultural identity, environmental risk, and the unintended consequences of going viral.

Before it was dubbed Jacklyn in 2019, this plant was already known and cherished by locals in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its original name, Alocasia tanduk rusa translates to deer antlers in reference to its unusual leaf shape. And, it actually dates back to being a houseplant at least to 2006. For many years, this tropical plant was admired in situ, growing quietly on the forest floors of Sulawesi’s protected highland regions, far from the spotlight.

The name ‘Jacklyn’ entered the story later, as a nod to Enjie Jacklyn, an Indonesian plant hobbyist who played a key role in introducing the species to a broader audience. What began as a well-meaning celebration of a remarkable native plant quickly became the foundation for its commercial rise. As images of Alocasia Jacklyn began to circulate on social media and within collector communities, the plant’s unique appearance and perceived rarity caused demand to skyrocket, almost overnight.

Unfortunately, with popularity came pressure. Unable to meet global demand through cultivated means, some suppliers turned to the wild. Collectors began sourcing plants directly from Sulawesi’s forests, including areas under ecological protection. What followed was a period of aggressive and often illegal poaching, where large numbers of Alocasia tanduk rusa were stripped from their natural habitat and exported in droves. 

This frenzied harvesting not only posed a threat to local ecosystems but also sparked heated debate online and within the botanical community. Questions arose around ethical sourcing, conservation responsibilities, and even the politics of naming particularly as the plant became more commonly known internationally by the informal name “Jacklyn” rather than its native identifier. 

But amidst the controversy, there has been hope and progress.

Thanks to advances in tissue culture propagation, it is now possible to grow Alocasia tanduk rusa in lab-controlled conditions, producing genetically identical plants without touching the wild population. These TC versions offer all the beauty and allure of their wild counterparts, but without the ecological footprint or ethical baggage.

At a time when biodiversity is under constant threat, the ability to enjoy rare tropical species without contributing to their decline is not only a privilege it’s a responsibility to source rare plants sustainably. For collectors, growers, and green-fingered hobbyists alike, tissue-cultured plants represent a future where admiration doesn’t come at a cost.

Discover our sustainably grown Alocasia Jacklyns here →