Contents
Description
Arisaema Formosanum is a perennial plant native to Taiwan. It is also known as the Taiwanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit or Cobra Lily due to its unique flower shape that resembles a cobra emerging from a hood. The plant grows up to 60cm tall and has a single stem with a single leaf at the top. The flower is a spadix, which is a fleshy spike covered in tiny flowers, surrounded by a spathe, which is a hood-like structure that protects the spadix.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Arisaema |
Appearance
The Arisaema Formosanum plant has a single stem that is green and smooth. The stem can grow up to 60cm tall and has a single leaf at the top. The leaf is large, measuring up to 30cm across, and is divided into several segments. The flower is a spadix that measures up to 10cm long and is covered in tiny flowers. The spathe that surrounds the spadix is green with white stripes and is hood-shaped, resembling a cobra emerging from a hood.
Care Guide
The Arisaema Formosanum plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Arisaema Formosanum plant is prone to spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also suffer from fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot, which can be prevented by providing good drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
The Arisaema Formosanum plant is native to Taiwan and can be found growing in the understory of forests and along stream banks. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Arisaema Formosanum a poisonous plant?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
Q: Can Arisaema Formosanum be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a container as long as the soil is kept moist and the container has good drainage.
Q: When should I fertilize my Arisaema Formosanum plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Arisaema Formosanum tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, it can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist.
Related Plants
- Arisaema candidissimum
- Arisaema consanguineum
- Arisaema heterophyllum
- Arisaema ringens
References
- Luo, Y. B., et al. “Flora of China: Araceae.” Missouri Botanical Garden Press, 2010.
- “Arisaema Formosanum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/173262/arisaema-formosanum/details.
- “Arisaema Formosanum.” Pacific Bulb Society, www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/ArisaemaFormosanum.
