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Helicodiceros muscivorus (L.f.) Engl.

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Helicodiceros muscivorus (L.f.) Engl.
  • Common Name: Dead‑horse arum, dead‑horse arum lily, dragon’s mouth

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Corsica, Sardinia, Balearic Islands
  • Features: Protogynous, thermogenic spadix and spathe emitting carrion odor to attract fly pollinators

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Helicodiceros
  • Botanical Background: First described by (L.f.) Engl. in 1879, the genus authority Schott ex K.Koch recognized its unique inflorescence morphology within Araceae.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Endemic to western Mediterranean islands—Corsica, Sardinia, and Balearics.
  • Environment: Terrestrial geophyte thriving in rocky limestone or granite crevices on coastal cliffs under full sun to light shade, with well‑drained soils and dry summer climate.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Deeply divided, duck‑foot–shaped blades emerging early spring
  • Green with faint spotting

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Large horizontal spathe (20–40 cm) colored flesh‑pink with purple speckles
  • Hairy spadix emits putrid odor and heat (~10–20°C above ambient) to lure flies

Growth Habit

  • Terrestrial, seasonally dormant tuberous geophyte reaching ~30 cm tall

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light
  • Tolerates part‑sun outdoors

Watering & Humidity

  • Moderate watering
  • Allow soil to dry between waterings
  • Average indoor humidity sufficient 

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Fast‑draining mix (peat‑based with perlite)
  • 3–4 L pot to accommodate tuber

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Ideal 15–25 °C
  • Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth (spring)

Propagation Methods

Division

  • Divide offset tubers in early spring before leaf emergence

Seeds

  • Viable but slow
  • Sow fresh seed in spring in moist, well‑drained mix
  • Germination in 2–3 months

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, root rot (from overwatering)

Treatment Recommendations

  • Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests 
  • Repot and reduce watering if root rot appears

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Only Araceae species that mimics carrion both olfactorily and thermogenically
  • Cultivated as a conversation‑piece novelty plant prized for unusual flower form and scent

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Not currently assessed by IUCN
  • Restricted island endemic with stable populations on core islands

Market Availability

  • Rare in commerce
  • Available from specialty nurseries in temperate climates

References & Resources

Further Reading

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