Dracunculus (aroid)

Dracunculus (aroid)
Dracunculus
Dracunculus sp.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Tribe: Areae
Genus: Dracunculus
Species

Dracunculus is a genus of 3 species of a tuberous perennial of the family Araceae. They are characterised by a large purple spathe and spadix, often produced in advance of the pedate, dark green leaves often with white mottling. The open spathe is usually accompanied by a foul smell.

Dracunculus vulgaris

The best known species is Dracunculus vulgaris, which is sometimes grown in gardens for ornamental purposes.

They are native to the Mediterranean, Madeira and the Canary Islands where they are found in rocky areas, hillsides and waste ground.[1]


References

  1. ^ The RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, p379, Ed., Christopher Brickell, 1996, Dorling Kindersly, London. ISBN 0751304360