Arum palaestinum
Arum palaestinum is a Palestinian native, that’s one of our favorite hardy aroids, thriving for us since the early 1990s. In fall, the dark green, trowel-shaped foliage emerges from the underground tubers to form a nice clump of foliage that remains evergreen all the winter. In early April, the bizarre, purple-black, tail-like sex appendage (spadix) emerges from within a wicked looking shell-like spathe to rise above the foliage in a stunning photographic moment. We have never detected any floral scent.Arum palaestinum also has a long history in Arabic medicine as a cure for an array of ailments from broken bones to cancer. If it’s cooked correctly, the tuber is reportedly edible, but we implore you to find something less attractive and less expensive to consume. Arum palaestinum prefers a dry site in the winter with good drainage.
