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.