Amorphophallus

This is a large genus of around 200 tropical tuberous herbaceous plants in the arum family (Araceae) that grow from corms. They are native to Asia, Africa and various pacific islands. They are generally found in the lowlands of tropical and subtropical areas. The genus name comes from the Geek amorphos, "without form, misshapen" + phallos, "penis", referring to the shape of the prominent spadix flower.

These plants vary in size from small to very large. The flowers consist of a spathe surrounding a spadex which is the elongated flower stalk. These vary in size and color and some have a quit pungent fragrance that attracts insects but others have a pleasant fragrance. Pollenated flowers then produce a round berry of various colors. Most produce a single compound leaf Some of the plants in this genus are grown as a food source.

Most of these plants will not grow in the USA and need to be grown in containers. There are some that the tubers can survive in the ground to zone 7 but the leaves and flowers do not survive frost. Many of the large varieties can be seen in greenhouses at botanical gardens. Smaller specimens can be grown as house plants.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems except collar rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. Tubers can rot if the soil is kept too wet. Mealybugs can attack some plants.