Dracontium soconuscum

Family: Araceae

What it is like

A herb which becomes dormant during the year. It grows 2-2.3 m high. The leaves have 3 lobes and are deeply divided, then divided again. They are 1 m wide. The leaf stalk is 1-1.6 m high. The flowers have both sexes. It has a short spadix and a spathe which is cup shaped and has a hood. It is dark brown and velvety on the outside and shiny inside.

There are 23 Dracontium species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits hardiness zones 10-11. It needs fertile, humus rich, well drained soil. It can grow in moderate shade.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil, South America

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Tuber, root, corm

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Dracontium dressleri Croat;