Arum Family, Araceae

Arums & Kin

"However, the root of the Dragon Arum - because one kind of Arum is called the Dragon, owing to its variably multicolored shoot - is not edible, but has pharmaceutical usages."

Theophrastus, "Enquiry into Plants"

This family of primarily tropical or subtropical plants belongs in the monocotyledons, although its leaves are frequently atypical in that they are often broad with netted venation, whereas most monoct leaves are characterized by a parallel system of leaf veins.

The inflorescence is very consistent in having a dense mass of tiny, apetalous flowers on a central, thickened axis, also known as a spadix. The flowers are often enclosed in a leaf-like, sometimes brightly colored spathe, which often broadens and flattens out into a showy limb. If you see this pattern you can be pretty sure you are looking at a member of the Araceae, wherever you are in the world.

It is noteworthy that many species in this family rely on a host of flies and small beetles for their pollination and, therefore, emit a foul smell when in flower. Fruit is a cluster of berries, usually brightly colored.


		Arum italicum Check out the Large Cuckoo Pint, a unique plant, with beautiful, arrow-shaped leaves, which is very common in the Pelion region during the spring.
		Dracunculus vulgaris Enjoy pictures of the Dragon Arum, one of the most dramatic plants to be seen in the Med region. It is of considerable ornamental value and is, therefore, much grown in gardens, despite its dreadful smell in bloom.
		Arisarum vulgare Take a look at the Friar's Cowl, a very common plant throughout the Med region, which is closely related to Arums. It is quite bizzare looking and I personally think that it is one of the most interesting plants in Pelion.
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