Family: Araceae

These tuberous-rooted perennials from Asia, Africa and eastern North America are unusual woodland plants not grown as widely as they deserve to be. They have interesting hooded flowers, similar to the arum lily, and are often boldly striped.

Species

A. amurense produces green hoods in summer and grows to 15 cm (6 in).

A. dracontium has finely etched leaves, green hoods and a purple-mottled stem. It grows to 60 cm (24 in).

A. speciosum is greenish purple, with violet flowers in spring, and grows to 30-60 cm (12-24 in).

Cultivation

Most species will grow in moist, shady areas, but may require a glasshouse in cool zones. Outdoors they should be planted in an average, moist soil. Fertilize occasionally in summer. The glasshouse varieties should be potted in spring in a mixture of peat, leaf mould, loam and sand. Water freely in summer, but cease watering in late autumn and keep dry until spring. Propagate from seed sown in spring or by division of the tuberous roots.

Climate

Zone 6 for species below, but zone 8 for A. speciosum.