The Genus Arum (A Kew Magazine Monograph) - Hardcover

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens; Peter Boyce

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0112500854 ISBN 13: 9780112500858

Publisher: HMSO, 1993

Synopsis

The genus "Arum" occurs throughout much of Europe and the Middle East in habitats ranging from marsh or woodland to arid, scrub-covered hillsides. Although several species, notably A. Maculatum and A. Alpinium are widespread, many of these 25 species are restricted to limited areas. In the past there has been much confusion in the application of names. This is due in part to the variability of many species, but also because many species have been described on the basis of single collections without reference to population variation. Arum species are worth growing not only for their often richly-coloured inflorescences but also for their handsome leaves. Most species are hardy outdoors in Europe and make striking and unusual subjects for the garden. The few species that require frost free conditions, for example the Libyan A. Cyrenacium, are easily grown in pots under glass. The monograph aims to clarify the taxonomy and nomenclature of Arum to enable the species to be indentified without recourse to an extensive herbarium and to bring the genus to the notice of a wider audience. It is the first full revision of Arum for almost 70 years. The first part of the book describes the history, habitats, distinguishing characteristics, biology and relationships of Arum. It also discusses the taxonomy of the genus, comparing the various systems that have been employed in the past and explaining the new treatment. Detailed cultivation notes are provided. Part two describes the species in detail, explains their diagnostic features and the points that have led to confusion in the past. The book finishes with a full synonymy for the genus and extensive reference section.

About this title

Synopsis:

The genus Arum consists of 25 species of tuberous plants. Many "bulb" and alpine enthusiasts grow a couple of species of Arum, usually the showy A. creticum and A. dioscoridis; and the widespread A. maculatum is well known. There are, however, many species which are practically unknown except to a few enthusiasts, and it is one of the aims of this book to bring these attractive and interesting species to the attention of a wider audience. Building on recent cultivation, pollen, cytology and chemistry research, this reference work should increase understanding of this genus.

About this edition

• Publisher: HMSO
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0112500854
• ISBN 13: 9780112500858
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 196