Spotted arum (Arum maculatum) is found in moist deciduous forest on fertile soils. The large, arrow-shaped leaves have a long stem. In early spring, the inflorescence appears: a purple-brown, thickened cob partly surrounded by a large bract. At the bottom, this coiled leaf forms a so-called cauldron, a closed cavity containing the true flowers, at the very bottom the female flowers and above them the male ones. The cauldron is closed with a wreath of infertile, hair-shaped flowers. When the flowers are ready for pollination, the cob heats up and gives off a strong scent of carrion that is irresistible to certain insects. Tiny moth gnats fly into the spathe and glide down, through the hairy cob, into the cauldron. At the very bottom, they pollinate the female flowers with brought pollen. The next morning, the anthers open and the midges are powdered with pollen. The bristle wreath has now wilted and the insects that survived the adventure can now leave the flower and head for the next trap.
All parts of the plant, including the bright red berries, are highly toxic.
Just capturing that one special moment... that's photographing for me. Wherever it is, here in the Netherlands or during one of my travels. Many of my photos have a story ... Others are a beautiful detail that I enjoyed. Hopefully you will also enjoy these photos when they hang.. Read more…
Germany
Netherlands
Germany
Netherlands
Germany
Germany
Germany
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Germany