JANUARY

 Arisarum vulgare     Friars Cowl     Arum Family

A. vulgare is a shy plant growing in shady places. Compared to the larger more obviously visible arums, it is indeed small with only a 4-5 cm inflorescence. Like many other arums it has a perennial tuber and heart-shaped leaves, preferring moist areas. The inflorescence, which is a continuance of the stem, has flowers only on the part which is deep inside a leaf-like cover (sheath). The upper portion of the inflorescence serves as a conduit for insects to enter. It is an interesting feature of arums. The sheath of this aroid (arum) is typically striped on the outside. The stems are typically dotted. Buried in the deepest part of the sheath are tiny female flowers; the male flowers are above them.
Peculiar to A. vulgare is its forward bending nature, which prevents the rain from going inside, keeping the pollen dry. The exact mechanism for pollination of this little plant is unknown. It is postulated that it is different from the other common larger arums.
After pollination it forms beautiful attractive deep orange berries while the outer covering dries back. It is poisonous, bitter tasting, and not eaten by animals.