Wikimedia Commons
Araceae
Italian Arum
Arum italicum
Ardor and hidden danger.
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Arum
- Native to
- Southern Europe, Western Europe, North Africa
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Type
- perennial herb
- Height
- 1-1.5 ft
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- moist, humus-rich, well-drained
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 5-9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The spadix generates heat through thermogenesis, warming up to 15°C above ambient temperature to volatilize scent chemicals that attract fly pollinators.
- The bright orange-red berry clusters that appear in late summer are extremely toxic, containing oxalic acid that causes intense burning of the mouth.
- The arrow-shaped leaves emerge in fall and persist through winter, making it one of the few plants with a reversed dormancy cycle.
- Flies attracted by the carrion-like scent become trapped inside the spathe overnight, ensuring pollination before being released the next day.
- Despite its toxicity when raw, the corm was historically processed into a starch called 'Portland arrowroot' and used to starch Elizabethan ruffs.
Color meanings
0
passion
1
ardor