Arisarum proboscideum
(Mouse Down the Hole)
Family - Araceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Italy, Spain
Season of Interest - Spring
Hardiness - H5
Height - 15cm
Width - 25cm
Location - The Woodland Walk
Description: A low-growing, rhizomatous Perennial with dark green arrow-shaped leaves held at the base of the plant and spathe and spadix inflorescences. The creamy white spadix is enclosed by the tubular spathe. The spathe is white with maroon stripes at the base and has a deep maroon hood. The spathe forms a long, thin tip that resembles a mouse's tail. The inflorescences are produced from mid to late spring.
Additional common names - Mousetail Plant, Mouse Plant
Flower:
The creamy white spadix is enclosed by the tubular spathe. The base of the spathe is white with maroon stripes, the hooded tip is deep maroon and has a long, thin tip that resembles a mouse tail. The inflorescences are produced in April and May.
Flower colour: Maroon, white
Flower shape: Spathe and spadix inflorescence
Flowering time: April, May
Foliage:
Glossy dark green leaves are sagittate (arrow-shaped) or hastate (spear-shaped). The leaves are held at the base of the plant and will die back during the summer months.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Sagittate or hastate
Poison Information:
This plant is poisonous.
This plant is toxic if ingested.
Propagation:
Seed or division.
Cultivation:
Best in partial shade to shade in rich, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.