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Araceae
Monarch of the East
Sauromatum venosum
Dramatic transformation and pungent truths.
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Sauromatum
- Native to
- India, Himalayas, tropical Africa
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Type
- tuberous perennial
- Height
- 30–60 cm (flower); leaf to 90 cm
- Sunlight
- part shade
- Soil
- rich, moist, well-drained
- Water
- moderate during growth; dry during dormancy
- Hardiness
- 7–10
- Lifespan
- perennial tuber
Did you know
- The tuber can bloom without soil, water, or light — just place it on a shelf and the flower spike emerges on its own.
- The spathe emits a powerful rotting-flesh odor to attract carrion flies, its primary pollinators.
- The flower appears before any leaves, creating an otherworldly alien-looking spike rising from bare ground.
- After flowering, a single dramatically lobed umbrella leaf unfurls, looking completely different from the bloom.
- It was formerly known as Sauromatum guttatum and has been a Victorian parlor novelty since the 1880s.
Color meanings
Purple
regal yet startling presence
Maroon-Spotted
blemished grandeur