Arum maculatum
Description
The growth and blooming period of Arum maculatum lasts from spring to early summer. It spends the rest of the year as a leafless rhizome. This is an adaptation to habitats in which sufficient water and light are only available in spring.
In the English-speaking world, Arum maculatum is mainly known as Lords and Ladies, Cuckoo Pint or Snakeshead. In Germany it is called Spotted Arum. This name can be confusing, because not all specimens have dark spots on their leaves. In my region I have found only plants with plain green leaves.
Arum maculatum can grow up to 40 cm high. All plant parts are poisonous.
Distribution/regions
The range of Arum maculatum extends from Europe (Northern Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe) to Asia (Western Asia/Turkey). In other regions it is used as an ornamental plant.
It prefers semi-shady to shady areas and can be found in forests and shrubbery, on embankments or river banks.
Uses
Lords and Ladies is occasionally used as an ornamental plant. It is no longer of importance as a medicinal plant, it is only used in homeopathy.
Pollinators
It is pollinated by flies. In order to attract them, the flowers exude an odor of decay.
Common names
Dutch
Gevlekte aronskelk
French
Arum Tacheté, Gouet Tacheté
German
Gefleckter Aronstab, Zehrwurz
Italian
Gigaro scuro
Portuguese
Jarro
Spanish
Aro muchado, culebrera
Categories: Perennials | Wildflowers |
