Dracontium gigas explained

Dracontium gigas is an herbaceous rainforest plant of the calla family (Araceae), native to Central America. It resembles the Old World species Amorphophallus titanum but has a spadix that is shorter than the spathe, with a somewhat smaller inflorescence up to in height. The leaf is up to high by up to wide.[1]

This species was discovered in 1869 by Berthold Seemann, in the mountains of the Chontales Department of Nicaragua.[2] It can also be found in Trinidad and Tobago, and "gives off a disgusting carrion-like odor".[3]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Bown, Deni . 2000. 2nd . Aroids - Plants of the Arum Family . Portland . Timber Press . 242–243 . 978-1-60469-201-3.
  2. Lectotypification and Epitypification of Dracontium gigas (Seemann) Engler (Araceae). Guanghua. Zhu. Novon. 4. 4. Winter 1994. 404–407. 10.2307/3391454. 3391454.
  3. Plowman . Timothy . April 1969 . 10.1007/bf02860613 . 2 . Economic Botany . 97–122 . Folk uses of new world aroids . 23. 1969EcBot..23...97P .