Arum purpureospathum
This relatively new discovery from southwest Crete was named in 1987 by arum expert Peter Boyce. The 8″ long green arrow-like leaves that emerge in fall and grow all winter are replaced by 10″ tall inflorescences in late spring as the leaves go dormant. The attractive inflorescence with the mild aroma of aged cow manure is composed of a dark purple spathe and equally dark spadix. Obviously since they go dormant in the summer, they are exceptionally drought tolerant.