Anchomanes difformis, Amorphophallus difformis

This is the most unusual aroid, distantly related to Amorphophallus. Growing from a horizontal tuber that can measure up to 30" long by 10" across, the plant produces one huge, much-divided leaf with a stout prickly stem.

Originated from the jungles of Benin, along the west coast of Africa. The indigenous people there use the species for a variety of medicinal properties.

These unusual plants grow from a thick, slowly growing tuber, often branching, which creeps horizontally just below the soil surface. The compound leaves are up to 30 inches tall and are supported on slender spotted stems with very rose-like thorns. The fascinating leaves are an enlogated bi-lobed bat shape, often with fenestrations (window holes).

Dormant all winter when they should be kept cooler but not cold, and the soil only occasionally lightly watered until spring. Upon warming weather, they should receive abundant water and bright light, but with no strong sunlight, as this is a jungle species. Often, but not every year, they begin growth with a tall, slender flower spike which may or may not self-pollinate and eventually produce a cluster of white berries which eventually turn voilet-purple when ripe and ready for planting. Germination takes several months, usually in spring of the following year. In Florida, they need only to be planted in the ground, and can then pretty much take care of themselves, although they grow equally well in pots. When in active growth, they want abundant water.

Similar plants:

• Amorphophallus atroviridis (Voodoo Lily)
• Amorphophallus bulbifer (Voodoo Lily)
• Amorphophallus glaucophyllus (Voodoo Plant)
• Amorphophallus konjac (Voodoo Lily)
• Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Elephant Foot Yam, Whitespot Giant Arum, Voodoo Lily)
• Amorphophallus sp. (Voodoo lily, Devils tongue, Snake Palm, Corpse flower, Elephant Foot Yam)
• Amorphophallus symonianus (Voodoo Lily)
• Amorphophallus titanum (Titan Arum)