Elephant Yam Amorphophallus konjac

Voodoo lily is a cormous, herbaceous perennial plant native to forest margins and thickets in China but naturalized throughout much of eastern Asia. It is a member of the arum family (Araceae). The plant is widely cultivated in Japan and China as a food source and as an ornamental. The species epithet is a transliteration of the Japanese common name for this aroid.

Voodoo lily grows best in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil and dappled shade. It does not tolerate clay soil. Avoid hot, afternoon sun, especially when the leaf first emerges and is most sensitive to scorching. Plants tolerate a minimum temperature of 60 degrees F during the growing season, though the optimum range is 68 to 77 degrees F. Fertilize regularly. Reduce watering during the winter dormant period. The leaf and inflorescence are intolerant of frost, but the corm is hardy. Propagate from offsets (cormels) or seeds.

The plant produces one enormous leaf from the corm and one flowering stem annually. The large showy flowers are purple and appear in the spring. When fully open, the spadix heats up and emits an odor of rotten flesh that attracts carrion flies and midges, which pollinate the flowers. The smell disappears once the flowers have been pollinated. 

It has glossy brown edible corms (bobo-tuber) that produce cormels each year. The corm is edible but contains calcium oxalate that makes it toxic if consumed raw. 

The voodoo lily is more curious than beautiful and can be grown in an Asian-themed garden or a sensory garden. It makes an interesting greenhouse subject or houseplant, but it must be moved outdoors when in flower, as the stench in an enclosed space is overpowering.

Diseases, Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or insect pest issues.

More information on Amorphophallus.