Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Arum italicum Mill., Gard. Dict., ed. 8, 1, ARU–ARU, 1st p. (1768) – as Italicum
Vernacular Name(s):
Italian arum; Jack in the pulpit; Lords and ladies
 Description

Erect tuberous perennials, 25–60 cm high, leaves appearing in late autumn and through winter; flowering in spring, the leafless scape with scarlet berries conspicuous in late summer. Tuber c. 4 cm diam., producing small tubers. Leaves large; laminae hastate, to 30 cm long, dark green with lighter yellow-green midrib and main veins; petioles 20–40 cm long, lower half membranous, sheathing, purple-tinged. Spathe ± translucent, pale whitish-green, purple-tinged near base especially on inside, c. 30 × 15 cm; scape < petiole, greenish to reddish. Spadix ± ⅓ of spathe; basal female zone ± 2 cm long, a few sterile flowers above them; upper male zone c. 0.8 cm long, with narrow band of sterile flowers below terminal, stipitate, yellow sterile appendage. Berries 1 cm diam., bright red.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of subspecific taxa in New Zealand within Arum italicum Mill.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Casual1
Total1
 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Connor, H.E.; Fountain, J. 2009: Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Hobbs, J.; Hatch, T. 1994: Bulbs for New Zealand Gardens. Godwit Press, Auckland.
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Miller, P. 1768: The Gardeners Dictionary, Edition 8. Vol. 1. London.