El Arum maculatum It is a tuberous perennial plant of the Araceae family. It is a species that grows best in the shade, in wet and drained soils, it can reach 30 to 50 cm in height, it self-sows easily in gardens, but its definitive eradication becomes complicated and its rather suggestive shape has earned it multiple nicknames.
It is originally from the United Kingdom, however, it is present in much of Europe, in the Asian territory of Turkey and countries of the Caucasus.
Features
It is a perennial plant with green leaves that have an arrow shape, often veined black, the foliage of this species falls in midsummer. Its first blades emerge from the ground and are then followed by sheath-shaped pale green leaves called spathe, within which stands an elongated and fleshy stem.
Its inflorescence occurs between the months of April and May and appears as a spike or spadix, where the flowers are grouped. At its base are a set of single pistil flowers and above it a belt of sterile flowers with a single purple anther. During spring, its flowers emit a bad smell that attracts insects for pollination.
Its rhizomes are large and elongated, with a brownish appearance. Its fruits are arranged in dense clusters of bright red and orange berries, which resemble ears of corn. Despite their appearance, these fruits are quite toxic to people and pets.
Arum maculatum planting and problems
Despite being a plant that can cause certain discomforts or allergies, there are those who grow them as an ornamental plant in gardens and forests. The tubers are planted in late summer or early autumn, ideally place them 20 to 30 centimeters apart and mark the soil where it was planted.
This plant usually spreads quickly through self-seeding or through the involuntary distribution of fragments of its roots around the garden, as can be the case with a homemade compost. In this species, tubers reproduce multiple times throughout the year and the process of eliminating them is complicated, since their rhizomes regenerate quickly.
Deal with large areas infected by the Arum maculatum In a well planted bed, it is an uphill task. Attempts to remove it completely require a lot of effort and time, but above all a lot of patience. One of the recommendations is to recover the rhizomes from the ground to prevent their spread. However, this does not guarantee its definitive eradication, because any neglected piece will regenerate quickly. So it is important to ensure that the rhizome is completely removed.
Another viable remedy is to place opaque mulches on the ground, to stifle weed growth. Mulches must remain in place for at least two growing periods, a bark mulch about 15 to 20 inches deep is recommended.
Uses and applications
This plant and for its medicinal use must be planted in autumn or early spring, a period when its leaves are not fully developed. These, when deposited in sand inside warehouses, retain their properties for a year. They can also be dried over a low heat and then pulverized and kept in tightly covered jars. The fresh roots, used as a mass for capsules, retain their medicinal properties.
At one time the dried root of the Spotted arum as a diuretic and stimulant. The medical literature records a case of dropsy that was successfully treated with a drug composed of Arum and Angelica. In the past, the juice of fresh roots was used as a cleanser, but its effect was strong and uncertain.
Toxicity and symptoms
It is important to take precautions when handling this plant, because its different parts can cause allergic reactions to people, especially its berries that are poisonous. The plant contains tiny needle-like crystals that can severely irritate the skin.
Its ingestion can cause inflammation of the throat, dyspnea and stomach irritation. Although by its harsh and spicy taste, it is difficult to consume large amounts of this plant, which causes a tingling sensation that acts as a warning. Due to its toxicity, its cultivation should be avoided in places where children or pets reside.