Italian arum (Arum italicum, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 2 (1768))

Family: Araceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 2 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, W. Europe to Iraq

Description

The Italian arum, scientifically known as Arum italicum, is a distinctive and fascinating member of the Araceae family. This plant, recognized for its striking appearance and unique growth patterns, has a rich history and widespread natural presence, thriving from Macaronesia and Western Europe to as far east as Iraq.

Italian arum is particularly noted for its ornamental qualities, making it a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts. The plant grows distinctive glossy, arrow-shaped leaves that feature prominent white veins, creating a beautiful contrast and adding texture to garden spaces. In spring, it produces an eye-catching inflorescence that consists of a creamy white spathe enveloping a pale yellow spadix, lending a touch of elegance to its surroundings.

Following its flowering phase, the plant forms clusters of bright orange-red berries, which persist into late summer, providing an additional splash of color. These berries, while visually appealing, are important to handle with care as they are toxic if ingested.

Native to a broad region that spans Macaronesia, Western Europe to Iraq, Arum italicum is a resilient species that has adapted to various climates and soil types. It thrives in both shaded and semi-shaded locations, often found in woodlands, along hedgerows, and in gardens where the soil is rich and well-drained. This adaptability makes it a versatile choice for various planting schemes.

The Italian arum has been acknowledged in botanical literature since at least 1768, when it was described in the Gardener’s Dictionary, edition eight. This historical context adds to its allure, showcasing its long-standing presence in horticulture and botanic study.

In summary, Arum italicum is a captivating plant that offers a combination of striking foliage, unique flowering structures, and vibrant berries. Its adaptability across diverse regions and conditions, coupled with its historical significance, makes it a treasured component of garden landscapes and natural flora collections across its natural range.

Common Names

Nld: italiaanse aronskelk
Eng: italian arum, italian cuckoo-pint, italian lords and ladies, italian lords-and-ladies, large cuckoo pint
Deu: italienischer aronstab
Dan: italiensk arum, italiensk ingefær
Fra: gouet d’italie, gouet ditalie, arum d’italie
Swe: italiensk munkhätta
Cym: pidyn y gog eidalaidd, pidyn-y-gog eidalaidd
Gla: cluas chaoin riabhach
En: Italian arum, Italian cuckoo-pint, Italian lords-and-ladies, Italian lords and ladies, Vaaleamunkinhuppu, Ayrni, Large Cuckoo Pint, Large Cuckoo-pint
Ar: لوف إيطالي
Az: İtaliya danaayağı
Eu: Suge-belar
Bg: Италиански змиярник
Ca: Arum, Orella d’ase, Rapa femella, Sarriassa
Zh: 意大利海芋
Co: Vicara
Cs: Árón italský
Da: Italiensk arum, Italiensk ingefær
Nl: Italiaanse aronskelk
Fi: Italianmunkinhuppu
Fr: Gouet d’Italie, Gouet ditalie, Arum d’Italie, Pied-de-veau
De: Italienischer Aronstab, Italienische Aron
El: Δρακοντιά
It: Erba biscia, Giaro, Gigaro chiaro, Pan di serpe
Fa: آروم ایتالیکوم
Pt: Jarro-de-itália
Gd: Cluas chaoin riabhach
Es: Aro, Aro común, Flor de la primavera, Hojas de fuego, Trigontino
Sv: Italiensk munkhätta
Zh-tw: 意大利海芋
Uk: Кліщинець італійський
Cy: Pidyn-y-gog Eidalaidd, Pidyn y Gog Eidalaidd

Synonyms

• Arisarum italicum ((Mill.) Raf.)
• Arum maculatum var. italicum ((Mill.) O.Targ.Tozz.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 22, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2021 by trasumanante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 31, 2019 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2021 by flootje flo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2020 by jid (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 22, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2017 by María Maria Naudeau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2020 by iam myr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2019 by Judith de Ruijter (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 16, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Michel AMBROISE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2018 by Creu Lopez (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.

Bark

Taken Jun 23, 2020 by josekike10 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Mar corbeij (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2017 by Fred Ferry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Arezki Lounaci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 31, 2019 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Gaël Herve (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2021 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Thibaut Valette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by nbx (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Jesus Pizarro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2021 by massimiliano belotti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Gaël Herve (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5330661)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:86047-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arum italicum Mill.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’]

Soil nutriments: 6