Two spectacular species of Araceae (Arum-lilies) and two interesting succulent orchids from Zambia

摘要

The two species of Araceae discussed are very attractive indeed and if possible to obtain, worth cultivating. Both emit a strong, fetid aroma that attracts various fly species. Amorphophallus abyssinicus, known locally as the "black arum" gives rise to a very large flower with the spathe, 18 — 21 cm long, produced on a short, stout, mottled green and dark green peduncle. Two forms of the plant exist in Zambia with the spathe varying in size, color and shape. Both have erect trumpet-shaped spathes, however, the larger form produces a rounded, almost smooth spathe with only a few marginal folds and few shallow, marginal lacerations (Fig. l).The spathe is very dark maroon with a blue base merging into a dark, deep black ring which surrounds the spadixwhile the second smaller form has a narrower, heavily pleated and deeply incised spathe colored a lighter reddish-maroon without the blue/ black base and an attenuate acute, non rounded apex (Figs 2, 3). In both, the spadix is included within the spathe, up to 13 cm long, narrowing towards a rounded apex from a broad, narrowly barrel-shaped base, with male flowers situated apically and female basally.