Family: arums (Araceae)
Flowering time: April–May
Size: 15–40 cm
Habitat: shady habitats, groves, forests and among shrubs
Spotted arum (Arum maculatum) has broad, spade-shaped leaves that develop in spring, and in autumn die back. The leaf blade is either completely free of spots on the upper surface or speckled with darker spots. Small, inconspicuous flowers form a club-shaped inflorescence, which is surrounded by a greenish spathe – a large enclosing leaf. The inflorescence is brownish-violet in the upper part. The unpleasant-smelling scent of the inflorescence attracts pollinators, especially flies. The ripe fruits are glossy red berries.
The spotted arum is a highly poisonous plant! It is widely distributed in Slovenia. It grows in groups on nitrogen-rich, moist soils in shady locations.
