Etymology of Arum dioscoridis
"Arum" derives from Ancient Greek "ἄρον", of unknown etymology. The species is named after the ancient Greek physician and botanist Pedanius Dioscorides.
About the Arum genus and its presence in Cyprus
The genus Arum includes 25 species of tuberous plants, which occur from the Azores Islands to Western China and from Sweden to Morocco. In Cyprus, the genus is represented by 7 species, of which Arum cylindraceum subsp. pitsyllianum is an endemic subspecies of the island.
It is a perennial, tuberous plant, up to 50 cm high. Arum dioscoridis responds to a wide range of habitats, such as edges of cultivated fields, rocky mountain slopes and near river banks (or a water source), up to 1050 metres altitude. In Cyprus, it doesn't appear in the Karpasia peninsula and the Akamas region.
Cypriot names of the plant:
The flower of the plant
The flower of Arum dioscoridis does not go unnoticed, because of its strange beauty but also its stench. During its flowering, the plant emits an unpleasant heavy smell, reminiscent of decaying meat, which, however, helps to attract insects to pollinate it.
How to identify Arum dioscoridis
Arum dioscoridis is the only Arum species in Cyprus whose spathe-limb is conspicuously spotted or blotched purple internally.
The healing properties of Arum dioscoridis
Although poisonous, the Aron dioscoridis has been known since ancient times for its healing properties. Dioscorides used the root of the plant as a poultice for wounds as well as for viper bites. It was also used against spasms, coughs, arthritis and insomnia. Arkokolokaso, as it is called in Cyprus [wild taro root] was also used for the manufacture of bread, cosmetics and essential oils and also as a cleaner for white clothes.
Can Arum dioscoridis be grown in a home garden?
Yes, it can but there its toxicity should be taken into consideration. While visually striking, Arum dioscoridis is toxic due to calcium oxalate crystals, making it unsuitable for consumption or gardens with pets or children.
