ARUM
italicum ‘Marmoratum’. Mediterranean to southern England.
This is my best guess at the identity of a charming little perennial, received
many years ago from Rose Williams. It grows from tubers, which proliferate well
to form carpets of seasonal shoots. It begins its growth cycle in late fall,
with the appearance of long-stalked, arrow shaped leaves up to 6" long.
They are dark green overall but marbled with white and pale green along the
veins. Pale green to nearly white flower spathes, vaguely resembling those of
the related calla lilies (Zantedeschia) are held upright close to the
ground in spring. Their stalks gradually elongate, carrying cylindrical clusters
of scarlet fruits by early summer. An unusual plant for shady nooks, easily
adaptable to life in containers. It tolerates most soils and summer drought.
Hardy to 15oF
or less.