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Sauromatum

Phonetic Spelling
saw-ro-MAY-tum
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

This genus consists of about 9 tuberous flowering plants in the arum family (Araceae) that are native to tropical Africa, tropical Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. Genus name is from the Greek sauros which means lizard, as in dinosaur.

These are generally easy plants to grow that prefer partial shade in average well-drained soils. The flower stem grows directly from the bulb and consists of a spathe surrounding an inner spadix. The preferred pollinators are flies so the flower heats up in order to emit a fetid odor to attract them. Flowers last from a few hours to 1 day. After flowering a single large deeply lobed leaf will appear providing continued interest.

Some are hardy to zone 6 but others need overwintered indoors. They can easily be grown in a container. The bulb will produce an offshoot that can be removed if desired. Removing offshoots will help the bulb to grow to flowering size which can take 1 or more years.

The most popular one to find on the market is S. venosum or voodoo lily.. 

Additional Sauromatum images at Juniper Level Botanical Garden

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Bulbs can rot if grown in poorly drained soil

 

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Sauromatum venosum
    Large flower with a spotted spathe and llarge leaf on a spotted stem
Sauromatum venosum
Tags:
#poisonous#specimen#spring flowers#dappled shade#spadix#problem for cats#problem for dogs#tropical bulb#container plant#part shade#border
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Sauromatum venosum
    Large flower with a spotted spathe and llarge leaf on a spotted stem
Sauromatum venosum
Tags:
#poisonous#specimen#spring flowers#dappled shade#spadix#problem for cats#problem for dogs#tropical bulb#container plant#part shade#border
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Sauromatum
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Asia, Africa, India
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers attract flies for pollination
    Edibility:
    Some have edible tubers
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Spring
    Fruit Type:
    Aggregate
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    If the flower is pollinated an aggregate fruit will develop.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spadix
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Winter
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Description:
    Flowers consist of a spathe surrounding an inner spadix. They vary in color, can be variegate and range from small to large in size.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The single large deeply lobed leaf appears after the flower dies. Varies in size and shape.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Stems are smooth green and may be spotted with purple
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    Poison Symptoms:
    All parts are poisonous and if eaten will irritate the mouth and esophagus.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    calcium oxalate crystal
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Stems