Family: Araceae
Author: Schott
Bibliography: H.W.Schott & S.L.Endlicher, Melet. Bot.: 17 (1832)
Year: 1832
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Dracunculus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SC. Europe to W. & SW. Türkiye, NE. Algeria
Description
The Dragon Arum, scientifically known as Dracunculus vulgaris, is a fascinating and exotic perennial plant belonging to the Araceae family. This unique species is native to regions spanning Southern Europe to Western and Southwestern Turkey, as well as Northeastern Algeria.
First described by botanists Heinrich Wilhelm Schott and Stephan Ladislaus Endlicher in 1832 within their work “Melet. Bot.: 17,” the Dragon Arum is celebrated for its striking appearance and intriguing lifecycle. Schott, the original author of the species, meticulously documented its characteristics, contributing significantly to botanical literature.
One of the most distinctive features of Dracunculus vulgaris is its dramatic inflorescence, which includes a large, purple to black spathe surrounding a black spadix. This impressive display, sometimes reaching up to 2 meters in height, is not only visually captivating but also emits a strong odor reminiscent of rotting meat. This unusual scent, while unpleasant to humans, serves an essential ecological role by attracting pollinators such as flies, which are drawn to carrion.
The foliage of the Dragon Arum further enhances its exotic allure. Its large, deeply lobed leaves are rich green with white or silver veins, adding a touch of elegance to its bold display. The plant typically thrives in well-drained soils with ample moisture, preferring partial to full sunlight.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Dragon Arum is also noted for its resilience and adaptability. It can grow in a variety of environments, from coastal regions to rocky hillsides, demonstrating a robust capacity to endure diverse climatic conditions.
While the Dragon Arum’s macabre aroma may not endear it to all gardeners, its dramatic aesthetic and fascinating biological strategies make it a worthy subject of study and admiration for plant enthusiasts and botanists alike. Whether observed in its native habitat or cultivated in gardens, Dracunculus vulgaris stands as a testament to the extraordinary diversity and adaptability of plant life.
Common Names
Fra: arum petit-dragon, dragonne serpentaire, serpentaire
Eng: common dracunculus, dragon arum, devil’s-tongue, dragon-lily, dragon lily
Deu: drachenwurz, gewöhnliche drachenwurz, schlangenwurz
Swe: drakkalla
Por: língua-de-dragão, serpentina, serpentária
Cym: pidyn-y-gog porffor
En: Dragon arum, Dragon-lily, Devil’s-tongue, Common dracunculus, Dragon Lily, Arum Arrowroot
Ar: لوف الحية
Az: İlanvari danaayağı
Bg: Едър змиярник
Ca: Dragonera, Serpentina
Zh: 龙芋
Hr: Obična zmijavičica
Cs: Drakovec obecný
Nl: Drakenwortel
Fi: Kreikanlohikäärmevehka
Fr: Arum Petit-dragon, Dragonne Serpentaire, Serpentaire, Petit-dragon vulgaire, Petit dragon commun
De: Schlangenwurz, Drachenwurz, Gemeine Drachenwurz, Gewöhnliche Drachenwurz, Große Drachenwurz
El: Δρακοντιά
It: Dragonea. Dragonzio, Dragontea, E. serpentaria, Erba Serpona, Dragonea, Erba serpentaria
Ku: Kardî
Pl: Drakunkulus zwyczajny
Pt: Língua-de-dragão, Serpentina, Serpentária
Ru: Дракункулюс обыкновенный
Es: Dragoneta, Culebrera, Dragontera
Sv: Drakkalla
Zh-tw: 龍芋
Tr: Yılan Bıçağı
Cy: Pidyn-y-gog porffor
Synonyms
- Dracunculus polyphyllus (Blume)
- Dracunculus creticus (Schott)
- Dracunculus spadiceus (Raf.)
- Aron dracunculum ((L.) St.-Lag.)
- Arum dracunculus (L.)
- Dracunculus vulgaris var. creticus ((Schott) Nyman)
- Dracunculus vulgaris subsp. creticus ((Schott) K.Richt.)
- Arum guttatum (Salisb.)
- Dracunculus vulgaris var. laevigatus (Engl.)
- Dracunculus major (Garsault)
- Dracunculus vulgaris var. elongatus (Engl.)
- Dracunculus dracunculus ((L.) Voss)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- France (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Dec 26, 2020 by Pasquale Castagnello (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 18, 2020 by Nicotra Gabriela (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2019 by Sadia Zafar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2017 by Edson Jhon Endson Jhon (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frente (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by nicolas pecqueux (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2021 by Joao Ferreira (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2016 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 25, 2016 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2021 by Joao Ferreira (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2019 by Josef Teč (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 22, 2021 by joanna joanna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by Hervé Villanueva (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jissede Jissede (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2020 by Victor C (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken May 25, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2019 by Yves MORENO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2019 by Jäger Latein (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 30, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2020 by Takis Pothitos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2017 by Delphyne Burlet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Hans Roelandse (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − User:BotBln (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − H. Zell (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5330001)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:86985-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dracunculus vulgaris Schott)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 6
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]
Soil nutriments: 8