Description
Arisaema ovale is the species which replaces the closely related Chinese and Russian Arisaema amurense, in Japan. It has a five-part leaf, (exceptionally one leaf may make seven leaflets in very large plants). These are not serrated at the edges (unlike amurense) and are made in spring with the inflorescence which is a lovely jade green and white spathe, speckled in bands along its length.
In some forms a brown or caramel infusion blends into the green, or the floral structure is totally brown, as is the case in our variety Asiu. The spathe wraps like a furled cloak around a polished, occasionally brown-spotted, spadix. The depth of the brown varies from plant to plant, but basically none are green. This form has originated in horticulture in Japan and its taxonomic status is not 100% certain. At one stage it was (incorrectly) identified as another species as the colouring is not typical for A. ovale. For now at least, a cultivar name seems the best option.
The species in general is a rare native of Japanese woodlands, very happy in the garden in a humus-rich soil in a habitat that is part-shaded once the plant is in leaf in summer. It is however early flowering and will take full sun at that time. Very hardy and cold tolerant, this makes abundant “pups” on the tuber once it is established, forming a nice, tight, clump with time.
Introduced to our lists under this name in June 2017.
