Arisaema thunbergii subsp. urashima

Arisaema thunbergii subsp. urashima
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Arisaema
Species:
Subspecies:
A. t. subsp. urashima
Trinomial name
Arisaema thunbergii subsp. urashima
(H. Hara) H. Ohashi & J. Murata

Arisaema thunbergii subsp. urashima is a herbaceous perennial plant. It is widespread through the woodlands of Japan, especially near the coast. The plant has a very curious inflorescence, and is popular in horticulture. As with all arisaemas, the inflorescence consists of a spathe tube enclosing a spadix appendix. In the case of A. thunbergi subsp. urashima, the spadix appendix is elongated into a free hanging thread of 45 to 60 cm. The underground tuber often produces offsets, which can be removed and grown on. The foliage dies down by summer, leaving the fruiting spike to ripen in autumn. The red berries contain high amounts of oxalic acid, and can cause painful irritation to the skin. All parts of the plant should be considered poisonous.

References

Gusman, Guy & Liliane (2006). The Genus Arisaema (2nd ed.). Ruggell: A.R.G. Gantner Verlag K.G. ISBN 978-3-906166-37-7.

Arisaema thunbergii subsp. urashima on Mt. Ryozen (Suzuka Mountains)