Arum palaestinum - Black Arum Lily

Family: Araceae

Common Name(s): Arum Lily

Native to: Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia

Flowering: Late Spring to Early Summer

Watering: Keep the soil moist during the growing season

Planting Aspect: Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Grassland

Description

Black Arum Lily - Arum palaestinum
This Arum is a tuberous perennial with broad, fleshy leaves and minute true flowers that are carried in the finger like spadix that terminates the thick flower stalk; the spadix in turn is encircled by the more conspicuous spathe or bract. The flower is not really black but the inside of the spathe that is an extremely dark purple shade with the outside being greenish white and has a very musty smell. The plant grows to about 45cm tall and flowers at the end of spring.

Cultivation

To perform well, Arum require a rich soil containing organic matter. They require full sun in temperate climates and light shade in hotter climates. The tubers should not be allowed to dry out during the growing season; however they must be kept quite dry during the dormant season with a mild winter climate. Plant the tubers 75 to 100mm deep and 20 to 30cm apart and once established, leave them undisturbed. No fertilizer is needed, but an annual top dressing with organic matter in autumn is beneficial.