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s.p.j.hoogma@hccnet.nl
Synandrospadix
vermitoxicus
This is a genus of only one species spread across Peru, Bolivia and
Argentina where our original plant came from, near Salta in the Northwest of
the country. It is a native of warm, dry thorn forest where it grows in
clearings and shady, stony places. The plant grows through the summer and is
dry and dormant in the winter. Indeed the tubers are best lifted and stored
in the house, bone dry, during their winter rest. 18?C is ideal. Repot in
April-May or once a steady 12?C can be maintained. Place each tuber in a
clay pot three times their own diameter in a compost of 30% loam, 50% sand
and 20% peat (by volume). Water carefully until growth is established then
water and feed freely with balanced fertiliser when in full growth. Cease
watering mid October. This species revels in full sun (or very light shade)
with a dry atmosphere - avoid too much humidity, it is not a jungle plant !
In the right conditions the leaves turn a beautiful glaucous blue-green.
Flowering takes place when the plant is fully developed over summer and
repeat flowers numbering up to six are recorded by the few people who grow
it. Flowers are made freely but seed-set is rare, indeed it has only done so
once and these are the seedlings, now grown-up and flowering themselves in
1998.
Tubers are about 10cm diameter and just under 50gm in weight. These are
naturally covered in tiny oxalate crystals which repel and kill insects and
wildlife, hence the latin name, the crystals may also irritate sensitive
human skins, so wash you hands after handling them and be warned that the
tubers, in common with most aroids, (Arum, Biarum, Arisaema etc) are
poisonous if eaten.
----- Original Message -----
To: Multiple recipients of list AROID-L
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 4:12 PM
Subject: Synandrospadix vermitoxicus
> Dear Friends,
> I am searching detailed notices on climate, ecology and
> general life story of Synandrospadix vermitoxicus.
> There is someone who can give me some advice on where it
> lives, rain and temperature through the year in the home of
> this plant, something about life cycle and hints to
> germinate seeds? Who has seen it in nature?
> Many thanks!
> Fausto
>
> Dr. Ing. Fausto Ceni
> Via Marsala 8
> I-25122 BRESCIA
> ITALY
>
>
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