Description
Large shining, treacle-toffee coloured spathes, striped in green, furl around a large and prominent pestle-shaped bright-white spadix. This is unique in its appearance and is justifiably sought-after. It is one of the most striking of the species, both in leaf and flower. Flowering is in May and June.
Sparing with its offsets and so it is brought on from seed (which is slow), but it is easy to grow in a leafy, half-shaded spot in a good, fertile soil. This should, ideally be moisture-retentive but well-drained. Under the canopy of very dwarf trees or small shrubs is perfect. Leaf litter or humus worked in is beneficial.
Excellent in the garden and esteemed for its very unusual appearance. Early to emerge, but fully hardy with us. In the wild (ours are cultivated plants) this is found on Shikoku in Japan, whence the name.
