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Italian lords and ladies
Scientific Name: Arum italicum
Family: Araceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Italian Arum (Arum italicum)
Arum italicum, commonly known as Italian Arum or Italian Lords-and-Ladies, is a striking perennial plant often admired for its patterned foliage.
Considerations for Pets
- The text notes that the plant is considered "very poisonous".
- The red fruits are mentioned as being "highly poisonous for human beings."
Considerations for Children
- One source states the plant is "very appealing to small people".
Common Names and Synonyms
- Scientific Name: Arum italicum
- Common Names: Italian Lords-and-Ladies, Italian Arum, Italian Lily, Large Cuckoopint, Marbled Arum, Willy Lily, Aaron's Pen, Aaron's Staff, Orange Candleflower, Cuckoo's Pint
- Synonyms: A. neglectum, A. modicense, A. numidicum
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Araceae
- Rank: Species
- Three subspecies are mentioned.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Europe.
- Has naturalized in woodland areas.
- Observed in locations such as Formby, Lancs and Plymouth.
- Observed at Gougane Barra and Bantry, Co. Cork.
Ecological Role
- Described as a growing threat in the East.
- Classified as a nonnative perennial that was originally introduced as an ornamental.
Morphological Characteristics
- Herbaceous perennial plant.
- Leaves are arrow-shaped with creamy white veins, appearing in autumn and remaining throughout winter.
- Flowers are white and mature into clusters of orange-red fruits.
- Height reaches up to 50 cm.
Quirky Facts
- The plant was reputed to have been used in Italy to remove freckles from the face.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden is referenced as a source of tips and ideas for gardens.
- iNaturalist.org is mentioned as a source of classification.
- Wikimedia Commons hosts images of the plant.
- Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Arum italicum.