Italian Lords-and-Ladies

Did you know

• The flower spike (spadix) can generate its own heat, raising its temperature up to 15 degrees Celsius above the surroundings to attract pollinators.
• The bright orange-red berries that appear in autumn are highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested.
• The plant traps insects inside its spathe overnight to ensure pollination before releasing them the next day.
• Historically, the starchy tubers were processed into a laundry starch called 'Portland arrowroot' in England.
• The variegated arrow-shaped leaves emerge in autumn and persist through winter, providing rare winter foliage.

Color meanings

Uses

• ornamental
• shade gardens
• winter interest
• woodland gardens