Arum maculatum: Characteristics, care, properties, and interesting facts about an iconic plant
Introduction to Arum maculatum
Spotted arumCommonly known as spotted arum, candelillo, or dog's tongue, this is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Araceae family. This species stands out for its presence in European forests, its distinctive inflorescence, and its striking red fruits, in addition to its ethnobotanical and historical significance.
In this article you will discover in detail all the Botanical characteristics of Arum maculatum, its habitat, the importance of gardening care, its role as an ornamental plant, its traditional uses, properties, toxicity, and specific propagation and decoration tips. You'll also find relevant information on its ecological behavior, relationships with other species, and historical and cultural data that is difficult to find in such a comprehensive resource.
Common names and botanical classification
El Spotted arum It has numerous vernacular names in different countries and regions:
- Spanish: hoop, spotted hoop, lamps, snake plant, spring flower, dog's tongue, calf's foot, jaro, jug, summillo.
- English: cuckoo pint.
- Portuguese: jarro, alho-dos-campos, jarro-bravo, sarpintina.
- Galician: garo, herbs of the crops.
- Basque: errebedarra, suge-artaburu.
Its taxonomic classification is as follows:
- Domain: eukarya
- Supergroup: Archaeplastida
- Division: Chloroplastida
- Division: Streptophyta
- Subdivision: Spermatophytina
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: Arales
- Family: Araceae
- Gender: Arum
The name "Arum" comes from the Greek "áron" and usually refers to several species of the genus. The term "maculatum" comes from the Latin "maculatus," meaning spotted, referring to the presence of spots on its leaves.
Detailed botanical description
El Spotted arum It is a herbaceous plant that sprouts annually from its underground tuber. Its most notable parts and main morphological characteristics are:
- Tuber size: between 1,3 and 3 cm in diameter, rhizomatous, from which robust roots emerge.
- Sheets: petiolate, large (up to 22 cm long), with glossy green blades, often with purple spots. They are hastate or sagittate in shape, with marked venation and a winged base.
- Inflorescence: composed of a lanceolate spathe (bract) of greenish color with purple spots, which surrounds the spadix, the fleshy axis where the flowers of both sexes are located. The spathe can measure from 9 to 23 cm in length.
- Spadix: purple at the end, with a characteristic uric odor to attract pollinating insects.
- Flowers: Unisexuality in the inflorescence; the male and female flowers are separate, and sterile flowers (staminodes and pistils) are found between them.
- Fruit: ovoid berries, bright red when ripe, arranged in clusters.
- Seeds: between 1 and 4 per berry, reddish in color.
Flowering occurs in spring, especially between April and June, depending on the climate and location.
Distribution and habitat
El Spotted arum It has a wide distribution in Western, Central, and Southern Europe, reaching as far as the Caucasus and present in the north and northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Its preferred habitat includes:
- Humid forests: oak groves, beech groves and other shady environments with abundant organic matter.
- Shady and cool places, at altitudes between 500 and 1300 meters.
- Floors: Rich in bases (pH between 5,5 and 8), moist or very moist, and with good nutrient content. It does not tolerate salinity.
It is associated with mesophytic or hygrophytic, deciduous plant communities, and can be found on river banks in humid Mediterranean regions.
Ecology, pollination and dispersal
El Spotted arum It is known for its interesting pollination strategy:
- Entomophilous pollination: It mainly attracts flies through the strong odor of the spadix and the heat generated (thermogenesis), simulating decomposing organic matter.
- The spathe is slippery; insects become trapped, coated with pollen, and then released, facilitating cross-fertilization.
- Seed dispersal: Primarily self-dispersal, although wind, small mammals, or birds may contribute to a secondary role. The seeds lack adaptations for long-distance dispersal.
The plant is a geophyte, that is, it survives the winter through underground buds in the tuber or rhizome.
Medicinal and nutritional properties
Historically, the Spotted arum It has been used in traditional medicine in various cultures. Its most common uses include:
- External applications with crushed fresh leaves to treat burns, chilblains and rheumatic pain.
- Use of the tuber decoction as an expectorant and toothache reliever.
- Used as a diuretic, purgative, antirheumatic and diaphoretic in various ancient herbal medicines.
Warning: the plant is highly toxic For both humans and animals when consumed fresh. Its active ingredients include saponins, calcium and potassium salts, hydrocyanic acid, and, especially, aroin, which is responsible for irritation and potential poisoning. Accidental consumption can cause serious poisoning, irritation, and damage to mucous membranes; therefore, its use is strongly discouraged except under the supervision of a professional.
In times of scarcity and after prolonged cooking with several water changes, tubers have been used as subsistence food for humans and, after cooking, as animal fodder. Their use in food is very limited because it requires the almost complete elimination of toxins through laborious processes.
Toxicity and precautions
El Spotted arum It is popularly known for its toxicity. The entire plant, but especially the tubers and berries, contain compounds that can cause severe poisoning. It is important to keep in mind:
- Contact with skin may cause irritation and stinging.
- Ingestion of fresh parts causes vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and cardiac problems. The visually attractive red berries pose a particular danger to children.
- Domestic animals usually avoid the plant in the wild, but if they do ingest it, they can become seriously poisoned.
Extreme caution is advised in gardens and spaces where children or pets are present, keeping the plant out of their reach.
Gardening care and cultivation
El Spotted arum It is valued as an ornamental plant in shade and naturalized gardens for its exotic appearance and attractive fruit. Its main care requirements are:
- Lighting: prefers semi-shade or shade; intense direct light can damage its leaves.
- Irrigation: Keep the substrate moist, avoiding waterlogging. Adequate drainage is required to prevent tuber rot.
- Ground: rich in organic matter, slightly alkaline and with good moisture retention.
- Temperature: tolerates moderate cold, but prefers mild temperatures.
- Fertilization: Apply organic fertilizers or balanced fertilizers during spring and early summer.
The plant can be grown in deep pots if you want to control its spread, as under optimal conditions it can naturalize and spread rapidly.
Reproduction and propagation
El Spotted arum It can be propagated by two main methods:
- Seeds: Harvest ripe berries when they turn deep red. Remove the seeds, clean them, and sow them in a moist, rich soil, keeping them cool. Germination can be slow and requires patience.
- Division of tubers: The simplest method. Remove the mother plant during dormancy, divide the tuber, ensuring each section has roots and buds, and replant it in the final substrate.
In a few years, through division and seeding, it can form small colonies in the garden.
Maintenance tips and common problems
- Avoid too much sun, which burns its leaves and reduces the vigor of the plant.
- control irrigation To prevent rhizome rot: the substrate should remain moist but never waterlogged.
- Removal of withered parts: Remove leaves and inflorescence remains after the fruit has ripened to encourage vigorous sprouting in the next cycle.
- Pest surveillance: Although hardy, it can be attacked by snails or slugs. Control with organic methods if necessary.
- Use of ecological sensors: Today, there are smart sensors that measure soil moisture, light, and temperature, facilitating optimal maintenance of Arum maculatum in gardens and indoor spaces.
Relationship with the environment and phytosociology
El Spotted arum It is part of plant communities of Eurosiberian forests, especially in the Querco-Fagetea class, and usually coexists with species such as oaks (Oak), beech (Fagus sylvatica), anemones (anemone nemorosa), ivy (Hedera helix) and ferns (dryopteris). Its presence indicates rich, moist soils and acts as a bioindicator of mature, little-disturbed ecosystems.
Its life cycle and unique pollination contribute to the biodiversity of the understory, providing shelter and food for insects and, eventually, opportunistic frugivorous birds.
Historical and cultural curiosities
- Theophrastus and Dioscorides already mentioned the use of Arum maculatum in classical Greece and Rome.
- In the Middle Ages it was used in rituals, as an aphrodisiac and in love potions, although its use was always surrounded by warnings about its toxicity.
- In ancient Rome, the plant was a recurring symbol of prosperity and well-being, as evidenced by plant sculptures on the Ara Pacis.
- Ancient rural beliefs linked the appearance of the spathe with predictions about the harvest.
Arum maculatum as an ornamental plant
El Spotted arum It adds a wild and exotic touch to shade gardens, rockeries, and cool borders. Its attractive red berries and speckled leaves make it a highly valued choice for those looking for low-maintenance gardens with year-round interest. It is also used in dried floral arrangements and to naturalize wooded areas.
Caution: Place the plant in areas that are difficult for children and pets to access due to the risk that its berries and rhizomes pose if ingested.
Decoration and creative ideas with Arum maculatum
- Decorative pots: Plant Arum maculatum bulbs in deep ceramic pots in shady areas of bright interiors or cool, humid patios.
- Hanging baskets or terrariums: Introduce tubers into terrarium compositions alongside ferns and mosses, recreating a mini-ecosystem of the understory.
- Wild borders: Integrate spotted arum into borders with other perennials with striking foliage to create a naturalized and unconventional landscape.
- Focal points: Use groups of Arum maculatum to create points of interest in less-trafficked areas of the garden, combined with stones and logs.
Ecological indicators and behavior in the face of disturbances
The ecological values of the spotted ring can be summarized as follows:
- Temperature: prefers hilly and temperate regions.
- Salinity: does not tolerate saline soils.
- Humidity: wet or very wet soils, it is an indicator of cool environments.
- Acidity: It grows best in alkaline soils.
- Nutrients: lover of soils rich in organic matter and nutrients.
Endurance and recovery: Arum maculatum tolerates occasional mowing and light grazing well, although plowing or earthmoving can reduce its populations. It recovers quickly after disturbance, as its tubers survive and sprout even after years of inactivity.
Arum maculatum and air purification
Like many araceae, the Spotted arum It contributes to improving indoor air quality by absorbing volatile compounds and helping to maintain ambient humidity. Although this is not its primary ornamental value, it can be integrated into indoor environments (away from children and pets) to combine beauty and ecological functionality.
Glossary of related terms
- Wing:
- Laminar dilation of the surface of any organ.
- Alado
- Provided with wings.
- Anther
- Upper part of the stamen, more or less swollen, which contains the pollen.
- Anthesis
- Flower opening and wilting period.
- Baya
- Fleshy fruit with thin skin and juicy pulp.
- Spathe
- Broad bract that surrounds the inflorescence.
- Staminode
- Sterile stamen.
- Flexuous
- Twisted in alternate folds.
- Glaucous
- Light green with a bluish tinge.
- Take the
- Top of the leaf.
- Hyaline
- Transparent.
- Rhizome
- Underground stem that generates shoots and roots.
- Sagittate
- Arrow-shaped.
Bibliography and recommended sources
Scientific articles
- Disturbance indicator values for European plants. Midolo G., Herben T., Axmanová I., Marcenò C., Pätsch R., Bruelheide H., … & Chytrý M.
- Ellenberg-type indicator values for European vascular plant species. Tichý L., Axmanová I., Dengler J., Guarino R., Jansen F., Midolo G.,… Chytrý M.
- EUNIS Habitat Classification: expert system, characteristic species combinations and distribution maps of European habitats. Chytrý M., Tichý L., Hennekens SM, Knollová I., Janssen JAM, Rodwell JS … Schaminée JHJ
- Seed dispersal distance classes and dispersal modes for the European flora. Lososová Z., Axmanová I., Chytrý M., Midolo G., Abdulhak S., Karger DN, Renaud J., Van Es J., Vittoz P. & Thuiller W.
Books
- Iberian flora. Vol. XVIII. Cyperaceae-Pontederiaceae. Castroviejo Bolibar, Santiago & al. (eds.).
Additional websites and resources
- Life forms. Dřevojan P., Čeplová N., Stěpánková P. & Axmanová I.
- Gardening platforms and plant monitors.
El Spotted arum It fascinates with its unique biology, history, and ornamental value, although it requires respect for its toxicity and a minimum level of knowledge for its safe cultivation and propagation. Its cultural, ecological, and botanical richness make it a prominent feature in shade gardens, restoration projects, and forest environments. It is also a subject of study due to its complex interaction with the ecosystem. The decorative and ecological possibilities it offers, along with the beauty of its leaves and fruits, make this plant an ideal choice for those seeking a garden with an exotic and natural touch.