Sauromatum

More Information About Sauromatum

The genus Sauromatum belongs in the Araceae family whose members are also known as aroids. Sauromatum is a small genus with just a few species, only one of which (S. venosum) is commonly grown. Some taxonomists placed Sauromatum into the genus Typhonium, but this error was reversed in 2011.

Sauromatum plants have three fascinating tricks up their sleeves. The first is that the bulbs will sprout and flower without being planted in the ground. Some people who have over-wintered their sauromatum bulbs indoors have come home to find a tall purple inflorescense in full bloom coming straight out of a bare bulb. That brings me to the second trick... the flowers don't smell like most flowers. The fetid fragrance attracts their preferred pollinator, flies. The third trick is related to the second one... sauromatum flowers generate heat in order to volatilize their scent compounds. If you are standing near an open flower, place your hand over the top and you can feel waves of heat coming out of the flower. Pretty cool!

Sauromatum Growing Conditions

Sauromatum plants are easy to grow, preferring part-shade and well-drained, average moisture soil. Do not plant near a window or patio where you can smell them...unless you have a bad neighbor. The spotted leaf petiole and dracunculus-like leaf provide plenty of interest even when the plant is not in flower.