Overview

Dracontium gigas is a garden plant in the genus Dracontium, part of the Araceae family. It typically grows around 0.85 metres tall.

About

It resembles the Old World species Amorphophallus titanum but has a spadix that is shorter than the spathe, and an inflorescence that reaches up to 85 cm (33 in) in height; the inflorescence gives off a disgusting carrion-like smell. The leaf can grow up to 3.5 m (11 ft) high (the record is 4.3 m (14 ft)) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) wide. While the petiole of A. titanum can be 30 cm (12 in) or more thick, that of D. gigas is only 5–9.5 cm thick. This species was discovered in 1869 by Berthold Seemann, in the mountains of the Chontales Department of Nicaragua. In the wild it grows across Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.

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About the genus

Dracontium is a genus of flowering plants similar to those of Amorphophallus. Unlike Amorphophallus which is found in the Old World, this genus has a New World distribution and is native to South America, Central America, southern Mexico, and the West Indies.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dracontium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dracontium

Plant details

Dracontium gigas size, habit and characteristics

Height

0.85 metres

Frequently asked questions