Sauromatum giganteum

(aka: Typhonium giganteum) Sauromatum giganteum is a little-known Chinese (Tibet to Manchuria) hardy aroid that is a must for collectors of the weird and wonderful. In mid-July (NC), the long, nearly white petioles emerge from the tuber to produce 1' long, green, arrowhead-shaped leaves. Also, alongside the emerging leaves is a bizarre 10" tall flower spike emerges on a short stalk at ground level. Each inflorescence is an upright, purple pitcher with a velvety black lining. From the interior of the pitcher emerges the dark black spadix. The giant voodoo lily does have a memorable fragrance for about a day...how else would an insect be lured to have sex in there? For over a decade we grew these in light shade where they performed well, but when we planted a patch in full sun, they exploded into growth like never before.