Arum Dioscoridis Var. Syriacum

Arum dioscoridis is among the most dramatic Mediterranean arums, with a broad hooded spathe heavily mottled and blotched in green, cream, maroon and near black around a dark purple spadix. The extraordinary patterning resembles animal skin and, with a carrion-like odour, attracts flies that carry out its specialised trap-pollination process. Bold arrow-shaped leaves appear during the cool season, followed later by orange-red berries. The Syrian form is a rare collector's plant for a sheltered bulb frame or mild garden, requiring winter moisture, summer dryness and careful handling because it is poisonous.