Sauromatum venosum ‘Lake Tana’

Price per 1x tuber of Sauromatum venosum ‘Lake Tana’. Tuber size is about 2cm in diameter. This will need another few before reaching flowering size.

Sauromatum venosum has had so many name changes that it is hard to keep up! It used to be classified under the genus Typhonium. Now it is back to Sauromatum again… Just to add to the confusion, this species is also often seen for sale under the even older name of Arum cornutum – an incorrect name that is often assigned to Dracunculus vulgaris, a completely different plant. What a mess!

Regardless of what it is called, this is a hardy, popular and invaluable plant, and one that is especially well suited to the exotic style garden. The form ‘Lake Tana’ was collected in Eithiopia (by the shores of Lake Tana, in fact!). It is an unusual and exceptionally beautiful form with a yellow spadix and golden colouration to the inside of the spathe. Petioles are also a distinct bronze colour.

Sauromatum venosum is winter dormant and starts into growth in late spring. With tubers that are large enough, the flower is produced first, drawing on reserves stored in the tuber. This is followed by roots and leaves. It is this habit that leads many to sit the tuber on a saucer with no soil on a windowsill as it flowers. We suggest it is better planted in the ground or in a pot!

Sauromatum venosum’s leaves are attractive and held on top of beautifully patterned petioles. These have a distinctly exotic feel to them, and compliment other more commonly seen subjects in an exotic style garden.