Synandrospadix vermitoxicus

General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit:	Herb/Forb
Life cycle:	Perennial
Sun Requirements:	Full Sun to Partial Shade Partial or Dappled Shade
Leaves:	Unusual foliage color Other: Winter dormant. Withold water during dormancy.
Fruit:	Showy
Flowers:	Showy Malodorous Other: Typically one, rarely two.
Bloom Size:	6"-12"
Flower Time:	Other: Seasonal bloom
Underground structures:	Tuber
Toxicity:	Other: All parts of plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, an irritant to the mouth and esophagus. Toxic to cats and dogs.
Propagation: Seeds:	Other info: Remove seeds (3-5) from berry which contains chemicals that inhibit germination.
Propagation: Other methods:	Other: Reported to offset infrequently.
Containers:	Suitable in 3 gallon or larger Needs excellent drainage in pots
Miscellaneous:	Goes Dormant

Botanical names

Photo Gallery

$Location: my garden Date: 2012-04-17 My \"Worm Killer\" in bloom$

Comments:

Posted by eclayne (Pioneer Valley south, MA, USA - Zone 6a) on Feb 12, 2014 1:02 PM concerning plant:

A great little "Elephant Ear" that seems to thrive with little care. Native to dry thorn forest in Peru and N. Argentina, they don't need as consistently moist soil as other Aroids. They do seem to appreciate it, however. I grow them in regular potting soil with added grit and perlite for a well-draining mix. The leaves are cupped and a great glossy green with pale green veins. Here in the northeast I give mine full sun.

This year we had two inflorescence(s), separated by about two weeks, but no viable seed. I've seen no offsets, but the tuber has developed several small growth points around the top. So far the tuber has done well stored dry in the basement.

Edit: Just a note that when cold weather is due, keep the potting mix on the dry side. I left my pot in a water filled saucer which I'm told may have been why the tuber developed a few splits. It's overwintering fine as of Valentine's Day 2014. Rot has developed and I've removed aprox. half of the tuber.

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Posted by dyzzypyxxy (Sarasota, Fl) on May 9, 2013 10:52 AM concerning plant:

The plant made two flowers this year. Last year it seeded itself and many seeds germinated.

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Discussion Threads about this plant

Thread Title	Last Reply	Replies
Worm killer? by eclayne	Aug 6, 2012 1:23 PM	7

Synandrospadix Synandrospadix vermitoxicus