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Overview
Arisaema tortuosum - tuberous perennials with a clumping habit, they can grow to 1.5m but tend not to grow this tall.
They are grown for their unusually shaped 'flower head'. The flowers are tiny and born on a long tail-like purple and green spadix that that is surrounded by a hooded green bract (spathe).
The compound, palmately lobed leaves appear at the base of the plant.
These are plants are great for spring time gardens, especially shaded borders and woodland settings. Use with other shade loving plants like Hosta
Soil: Moist well drained humus rich soil. Will take acid soils so can be grown with Rhododendrons and other acid loving cooler climate plants.
Maintenance: Keep the soil moist during the growing season. During winter they will require little watering as the tubers can rot if the soil is to moist.
During the summer little offsets 'pups' are produced by the main plant, these can be left or removed in late summer and replanted. Eventually the plants will become too dense and will need dividing - this should be done in autumn.
Mulch well in winter.
Diseases: Slugs can cause the most problems.
Toxicity: While this plant is mildly toxic to humans, it can be very poisonous for dogs, cats, horses and other animals.
Every part of this plant from leaf to stems and roots are toxic since it contains insoluble oxalate crystals, similar to other plants in the Araceae family.
If the sap gets into eyes it may cause redness, pain, burning and swelling.
If any part of the plant is consumed the crystals released can irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort to the throat, and burning pain to the stomach.
Treat with milk or icy poles - symptoms usually diminish over time naturally.
Author: Bob Saunders.