What on earth is it?

Hi. Can anyone identify these weird - and what looks to me - poisonous plants growing at the end of my garden. Thanks.

 

Crikey! Seems quite exotic. Does it develop into umm, anything more or is it in its final stage of shape, colour, growth. Lily family then, not fungus? Not toxic? Questions, questions, sorry, but thanks v much for the info

 

That's the final stage, though it'll come back next year. And yes, those berries are toxic. It's actually related to lots of wacky plants from warmer climates such as peace lilies and Zantadeschia, which are popular ornamentals, as well as tropical crops like taro and the world's largest flower, the titan arum. The plants are pollinated by flies and midges so tend to smell, well, like a fly likes, but are also very attractive.

Here's a reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arum_maculatum

 

Thanks Cinnamon. I have checked out link, really interesting. Reluctant, but will probably get rid of them as they're highly poisonous. [emoji53]

 

Only if you eat them, won't do you no harm by having it in the garden

 

Hmm, will have re-think. will need to move them at least, as reshaping end of the garden. Thanks Zigs[emoji4]

 

The corms are quite deep, might be better when they're dormant. There's lots of ornamental varieties, Italian Arum is quite big

The Elizabethans made starch from them, to stiffen the neck braces they used to wear. Lots of whiplash injuries back then from all that Bowling they used to do before battles

 

Please leave/relocate them if you can, when I was young our class at school would go out on 'nature walks' (pre health & safety days) and actively look for stuff like these.

 

Good luck! If you leave even the tiniest of corms behind it will return.

I would leave them as you're almost certainly growing a large number of other poisonous plants already.

 

Thanks all,for yr most valued advice. Am def gonna have to relocate them as where they mostly are growing I'm planning to put shingle. They do appear to be quite robust as have noticed them over the last 2-3 years, and in their flowering stage which I thght was a completely different (unknown & strange-looking )plant! They're safe for now as also gotta wait to move my roses to a new 'home', as nr to Nov as poss, from the same area. Are corms like bulbs then? Assume the liner that goes under shingle will prevent insistent Arums. [emoji4]

 

Come on John , lets have the naughty names ! We are all over 18 .