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Arisaema nepenthoides (Wall.) Mart.

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Arisaema nepenthoides (Wall.) Mart.
  • Common Name: Asian cobra lily, Himalayan cobra lily

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Native to montane forests of Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim (India), Myanmar and southwestern China
  • Features: Two pedate leaves with 5–7 leaflets and a tubular spathe blade that arches like a cobra’s hood

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Arisaema
  • Botanical Background: Described as Arum nepenthoides by Nathaniel Wallich in 1824 and reassigned to Arisaema by Martius in 1831; further studied by Schott and Endlicher in mid‑19th century taxonomic works.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Occurs naturally at 2 000–3 500 m elevation across the eastern Himalayas (Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Darjeeling), northern Myanmar and China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces.
  • Environment: Thrives in moist, shaded forest understoreys, woodland edges and stream banks with cool temperatures, high humidity and rich, humus‑laden soils.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Two large pedate leaves, each with 5–7 elliptic to oblanceolate leaflets reaching up to 15 cm long
  • Upper surface deep green
  • Underside lightly glaucous

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • A spathe emerges before the leaves in spring
  • Tubular base supports a three‑lobed blade 12–15 cm long
  • Olive‑green to brownish
  • Sometimes striped; the enclosed spadix attracts fly pollinators

Growth Habit

  • Herbaceous perennial arising from a globose tuber
  • Stems often mottled orange and purple, lending additional ornamental interest

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light to deep shade
  • Avoid direct sun which can scorch foliage

Watering & Humidity

  • Maintain even moisture during active growth
  • Watering deeply but allowing slight surface drying
  • Provide high ambient humidity

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Use a rich, free‑draining mix of loam, leaf mold and coarse grit
  • Containers must have good drainage

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Best in cool to moderate climates (10–20 °C); hardy to around –5 °C
  • Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growth

Propagation Methods

Division and Cuttings

  • Divide tubers in late dormancy so each piece has at least one growing point
  • Replant promptly


Seeds

  • Sow fresh seeds in spring in a warm (15–20 °C), moist medium
  • Germination may take 2–3 months; keep evenly moist

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Susceptible to slug and snail feeding
  • Overwatering can lead to root rot

Treatment Recommendations

  • Use organic slug control (copper tape, beer traps) and ensure excellent drainage
  • Apply a suitable fungicide if rot appears

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Juvenile plants often function as males and convert to female when the tuber attains sufficient size—a rare gender‑switching phenomenon
  • Valued for its architectural form, early spring interest and unusual “cobra‑hood” spathe that stands out in shaded garden settings

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Currently not considered threatened; stable populations in native range with no major conservation listings

Market Availability

  • Widely offered by specialty bulb and aroid nurseries
  • Moderately rare in general garden centers but regularly available to collectors

References & Resources

Further Reading

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