Arisaema costatum

Arisaema costatum is an extraordinary looking Aroid and one of the hardiest of all the Arisaema species. If given good drainage, a generous winter mulch and the overhanging protection of shrubs or woodland trees it is hardy in most parts of the UK including Scotland. It is a stunning-looking plant with an elegant maroon-chocolate-brown hooded spathe that is striped dramatically with highly-contrasting transparent white vertical markings. From this cobra-like inflorescence emerges an improbably-elongated spadix with a thin appendage that can dangle like a fishing-line or twist up on itself in an eccentric knot. Its foliage is also highly attractive and consists of a very large trifoliolate leaf with distinctive lateral veins that run in parallel and are raised in pale ridges on the underside of the leaf. Like so many of the Arisaemas it manages to be curiously weird yet alluringly elegant all at the same time.

It is native to the Himalayan region where it is found in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet at elevations up to 2400 metres growing on cliffs or in the dappled shade of cool woodlands or the grassy clearings of forested areas.

Highly recommended. Limited quantities.