Carlephyton madagascariense Jum.

• Genus: Carlephyton
• Botanical Background: Described by Henri Lucien Jumelle in 1919 (Ann. Mus. Colon. Marseille 3: 187), this species has been revisited in taxonomic treatments by Bogner & Nusbaumer (2012) when evaluating the genus’s diversity.

• Geographical Range: Known from three locations in the Ankarana plateau of northern Madagascar; estimated extent of occurrence ~493 km² and area of occupancy ~16 km².
• Environment: Occurs in dry deciduous forest and shrubland on limestone outcrops at 10–250 m elevation; experiences a pronounced dry season and thrives in well‑drained, rocky soils.

Leaves

• Simple, cordate blades 10–20 cm long
• Glossy green with a prominent sub‑marginal vein linking lateral veins

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spadix 3–5 cm long surrounded by a tubular to hooded spathe (pale green)
• Bears basal female flowers, an intermediate zone of bisexual flowers, and an upper male zone
• Apex may be sterile
• No strong scent reported

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial geophyte with seasonally dormant tubers (2–5 per clump)
• Emerges during the rainy season and retreats underground in the dry months

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light mimicking understory conditions
• Protect from direct midday sun

Watering & Humidity

• Keep evenly moist during active growth
• Reduce watering and allow tubers to rest in the dry season
• Maintain 60–80 % humidity

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a free‑draining mix of coarse sand, perlite, bark and loam
• Ensure containers have adequate drainage

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 20–30 °C; avoid dropping below 15 °C
• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength monthly during growth

Division and Cuttings

• Separate dormant tubers from clumps in the dry season and replant individually when new shoots appear

Seeds

• Rare in cultivation
• Sow fresh seed in a warm (25 °C), humid, shaded environment for best germination

Typical Issues

• Mealybugs, scale insects in leaf axils
• Root rot from overwatering

Treatment Recommendations

• Remove pests with alcohol‑soaked swabs or use insecticidal soap
• Repot in fresh, dry mix and apply a fungicide if root rot appears

• The only Carlephyton species with bisexual flowers in the spadix’s middle zone
• Endemic to a geologically unique limestone plateau

• Rare tuberous aroid prized by specialist collectors of Madagascar geophytes
• Compact growth habit suits terrariums and shaded rock gardens

Wild Population Status

• Assessed as Endangered by IUCN
• Major threats include deforestation for grazing and firewood collection

Market Availability

• Extremely scarce in general trade
• Found only in a few specialized botanical collections or through responsible seed exchanges