[Overview]
An evergreen perennial of which about 8 species, native to South Africa, are known in the wild. It has enlarged underground stems or tubers and is classified as a bulb plant.
The leaves are simple and alternate, arrowhead-shaped, with a sheathing base.
The flowers are small and lack petals; they are borne on a rod-shaped spadix and enclosed in a funnel-shaped spathe.
The spathe is colored white, yellow, pink and so on, and the plant is grown for the ornamental value of the spathes and leaves.
[Uses]
There are many cultivars; they are mainly used as cut flowers, but also as potted plants and garden plants.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from bulbs.
Most prefer clayey, moist soil.
The suitable temperature for growth is around 20 °C, and frost kills the above-ground parts.
Soft rot can occur in hot, humid conditions.
