Amorphophallus bulbifer - Voodoo Lily

Amorphophallus bulbifer, also known as the Voodoo lily by English speakers, is a fascinating Himalayan relative of the arums that will delight botanical enthusiasts. Growing from an underground tuber that can become enormous, this perennial plant unfurls a large and beautiful leaf divided into leaflets in late spring. It produces a decorative inflorescence, close to the ground, in the shape of a pale pink cone slightly speckled with green and pale brown on the outside. Although theoretically hardy down to -10°C (14°F), this beautiful species is easier to cultivate in a large pot kept dry in winter, as its bulb dreads overly wet soil at that time of year.

Amorphophallus bulbifer belongs to the large family of Araceae and is a wild plant native to the mountains of northern India, specifically from Nepal's Sikkim province. It grows in open forests in regions with a tropical climate characterized by two distinct seasons. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a large tuberous root. This spectacular storage organ can eventually reach 30cm (12in) in length and weigh 1 to 2kg. The Latin name for this species, bulbifer, is due to a rare phenomenon: bulbils are born at the axils of the leaflets and the petiole branches of this plant.

The life cycle of Amorphophallus bulbifer is relatively short, from the time the leaf emerges from the ground in June to when the plant goes dormant at the end of summer or early autumn. The size of this Amorphophallus depends on the growing conditions: when exposed to sunlight, the plant will be more compact (1m (3ft) in height) than if it is placed in partial shade, where its leaf can reach heights of up to 1.50m (5ft) or more. In spring, a dark green petiole speckled with white emerges from the ground, carrying the single leaf. It grows rapidly, with a shiny, veined, ovate-shaped lamina divided into lobes with toothed edges. Flowering occurs on plants several years old and emerges above the ground, at the base of the plant, in spring before the foliage. The inflorescence is a spathe, resembling a large Arum cone, with a central column. The spathe measures 20cm (8in) in height. It starts off yellowish and gradually turns a pale pink. The reverse side is lightly speckled. The spadix, which extends beyond the spathe, is almost white. This inflorescence is pollinated by flies. The fruiting is a tight cluster of rounded fruits that change from yellow to light red.

The cultivation of Amorphophallus bulbifer is primarily done in a very large pot, although this species can be grown in the ground in mild regions if its stump is protected from rain in winter. Burying the pot in the garden during the growing season allows it to be sheltered in winter. It is an original and spectacular plant for light woodland areas. It can be paired with ferns, Fatsias, or non-invasive Fargesia bamboos, for example.