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arisaema
Scientific Name: Arisaema tortuosum
Family: Araceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Arisaema: Cobra Lilies and Jack-in-the-Pulpits
The genus Arisaema encompasses a diverse and fascinating group of plants, known for their unique floral structures and intriguing growth habits. Often referred to as Jack-in-the-pulpit or Cobra Lily, these tuberous perennials are a welcome addition to any woodland garden.
Considerations for Children
- Jack-in-the-pulpit is described as a "favorite of children" due to its distinctive flowers and leaves.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Arisaema
- Common Names: Jack-in-the-pulpit, Cobra Lily
- Family: Araceae (Arum family)
- Kingdom: Plant
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Arisaema is a large genus within the Araceae family, comprising approximately 260 species and 90 subspecies.
Distribution and Habitat
- The highest concentration of Arisaema species is found in China and Japan.
- They also occur in other regions, including North America, the Himalayas, and parts of Canada.
- They thrive in moist understories of woodland habitats.
Morphological Characteristics
- Most Arisaema species are tuberous perennials.
- They typically exhibit palmately lobed leaves.
- A defining feature is their distinctive tubular, hooded spathes, which enclose the tiny true flowers.
- Some species, like Arisaema consanguineum, have arum-like flowers with brown and cream stripes and snakeskin mottled stems.
- Arisaema speciosum grows from fat, knobbly tubers.
- Arisaema tortuosum is noted for being the tallest in the genus when mature.
Cultivation
- Arisaema are best grown in fertile, medium to wet soil, in part to full shade.
- They require constantly moist soil rich in organic matter and do not perform well in heavy clay soils.
Genetic Information
- Arisaema triphyllum "subspecies triphyllum" is noted as being a tetraploid with 56 chromosomes.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Arisaema species exhibit gender diphasy (sex change). Individual plants can produce either male or female flowers.
Resources and Further Information
- The Arisaema-L Archives, a discussion list of the AEG, is hosted by the Utrecht University Botanic Gardens.
- Information is also available at NC State University's plant database.