Taccarum caudatum

Tuberous species in winter rest. Sub-rounded, depressed tuber. During the vegetative period (from May to September-October) each bud produces a single large, finely divided leaf of a uniform dark green colour, supported by a robust green petiole speckled with dark green. When the tuber is sufficiently adult, before the leaves it produces an unusual inflorescence consisting of a white or greenish-white spathe which almost completely surrounds the spadix. The spadix also greatly exceeds the spathe and bears the white male flowers with yellow apex in the upper half and the grayish female flowers in the lower half. In winter the tuber, now devoid of leaves, must remain completely dry. Native species of South America where it grows in open tropical woods (cerrado), forests, humid mountain valleys, often in stony soils or between rocks. It prefers well-drained soil and a shaded or semi-shaded location. Water regularly during the growing season but never in winter. Not hardy. 1 tuber of 3-5 cm in diameter or potted plant.