Arisarum consists of compact perennial plants that grow from tubers or rhizomes. They form dense clusters of elongated, heart- or arrow-shaped foliage and bear small flowers enclosed in distinctive hooded spathes.

Arisarum

Arisarum proboscideum is a rhizomatous perennial that forms dense clusters of arrow-shaped, glossy green foliage, reaching lengths of up to 15 cm. In spring, it produces flowers characterized by a dark purple-brown spathe that tapers into a long, slender projection resembling a mouse's tail, with a white base.

Arisarum proboscideum

Arisarum vulgare

Arisarum vulgare f. maculatum

Arisarum vulgare from Crete

Arisarum vulgare subsp. simorrhinum

Arisarum vulgare subsp. simorrhinum from Spain

Arisarum vulgare subsp. vulgare is a tuberous perennial that reaches a height of 15 cm. Its leaves are arrow-shaped and exhibit a grey-green hue, occasionally displaying mottling in greyish-purple. From winter through early spring, it produces small, hooded spathes that can grow up to 5 cm in length. These spathes are white-green with stripes of brown or purple, enclosing dark brown spadices.