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Friar's Cowl

Arisarum vulgare

Description:

Mainly green going to a dark purple where the "hood" bends down, having a yellow spadix coming from its inside. The outside was shiny/glossy. A single leaf can be seen on the base. My hand is small so... the plant was about 14 to 16cm tall I believe.

Habitat:

Mountain range near the sea. Around 260m high (unsure). Found in a shady and moist area.

1 Species ID Suggestions

Friar's Cowl
Arisarum vulgare Arisarum vulgare


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7 Comments

TraceyPolea
TraceyPolea 8 years ago

Found huge patches in flower along the cliff edges on gozo above zlendi bay,12 dec

Vinny
Vinny 9 years ago

I've seen this as a garden escape growing in the Bush in SE Australia, never knew what it was (until now!) it's flower shape is a little like some of our Greenhood orchids.
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/774...
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/391...

Greenhoods are pollinated by fungus knats....although the Greenhoods don't emit any smell as far as I'm aware.

catgrin
catgrin 9 years ago

:)

Sof
Sof 9 years ago

Oh wow, this is interesting!
Thanks for the info!

catgrin
catgrin 9 years ago

Thanks! I read the Wiki before I asked you about it. (Wouldn't have asked without checking basic places first - I'm not like that.) Just wondered if you already knew of any specific pollinators because it's such an exaggerated shape and color scheme. It's a dark color setup for humans and mammals, but to an insect, I bet that flower's spadix glows like neon light on a diner!

Here's a link that does further discuss pollination by this species. It's apparently not bees or wasps, but rather mainly moths and flies that propagate this flower - it has no strong perfume.

http://www.maltawildplants.com/ARAC/Aris...

Sof
Sof 9 years ago

According to wikipedia, its pollination is made by insects. So the suspects, between others, would be butterflies and moths, beetles, bees and wasps which can be found in this Mountain Range (Serra da Boa Viagem).

It is actually the first time I see this type of plant in my zone. I was really surprised when I saw it. Though it was really well camouflaged amidst other plants and the dry leaves on the moist soil as well as the shade.

catgrin
catgrin 9 years ago

That is so cool!
Have you got any idea what pollinates it?

Sof
Spotted by
Sof

Portugal

Spotted on Oct 26, 2014
Submitted on Nov 3, 2014

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Friar's Cowl Friar's Cowl Arisarum Arisarum vulgare

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