ARUM

(formerly aron, and probably of Egyptian extraction). O RD. Aroideæ. A large genus of ornamental or curious, hardy, greenhouse or stove perennials, with thick rhizomes and pedate or hastate leaves. Spathe large, convolute; spadix naked and club-shaped at the top. They are all of easy culture, and the indoor species will thrive with such treatment as is given to Alocasias, Caladiums, . Rich soil is one of the first conditions of succe . Like most plants grown for the beauty of their foliage, rapid and free growth is nece ary. A compost of good rich loam, with a third of sweet manure, thoroughly rotted, or leaf mould, with some sharp sand, is very suitable. Plenty of moisture is nece ary during the growing season, after which the tender kinds should be kept moderately dry, warm, and at rest during the winter. The hardy kinds may be left in the ground. Propagated by seeds or division of the roots—usually the latter. The best time to divide them is just as they commence their new growth, securing as many roots as po ible to each division. Any rootle pieces should be placed in heat shortly after removal; this hastens the formation of roots and excites top growth. Arums are useful in sub-tropical gardening, and are otherwise interesting plants both for indoors and outside cultivation; and the hardy kinds are very suitable for naturalising in woodlands, . There are many other species besides those here described, but the following list comprises the best. Sub-sections of the genus will be found treated separately, such as A morpho phallus (which see ), . IMG:7081556231692414330_i_118a.jpg: F IG . 154. A RUM D RACUNCULUS .