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Arisarum proboscideum

Under deciduous trees, Ernie Clark Reserve, Heathcote, Chrisrchurch.<br>Photographer: Alice Shanks, Date taken: 01/10/2024, Licence: Public domain. <a class='member-message' href='/nzpcn/why-join-nzpcn/' target='_blank'>Members can view a larger version of this image.</a>

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Common names

mousetail plant

Biostatus

Exotic

Conservation status

Not applicable

Structural class

Herbs - Monocots

Flower colours

Violet/Purple

Distribution

Naturalised (garden escape). Recorded twice, in 1986 from a gully system in Hamilton City (WAIK 6157) and in 2024 in Ernle Clark Reserve, Christchurch

Detailed taxonomy

Genus

Arisarum

Family

Araceae

Authority

Arisarum proboscideum (L.) Savi

Endemic family

Ecology

Propagation technique

Easily grown from tubers and spreading readily from cultivation. The known naturalisations probably came from discarded garden waste containing tubers of this species. Commonly cultivated in many parts of New Zealand.

Other information

Etymology

arisarum: Possible from the Greek arista ‘bristle’ or ‘awn’ and arum, to which the genus is allied, referring to spathe of flower having a spike.

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