Every month, Duinconservation tells about what can be seen in the dunes that month. This month in the section ‘Today in the Dune’ we look for the spotted arum
Today the twenty-sixth episode:
Looking for the spotted arum
The spotted arum blooms around April and May. A spring flowering plant that likes slightly shaded places such as deciduous forests and hedges. All species of the Arum genus have a typical inflorescence consisting of a (smaller) spadix surrounded by a flowering sheath. Underground, the plant has a short, thick, elongated tuber.
Bait scent
During flowering, the plant emits a carrion scent that attracts insects. In the spotted arum, these are small moth midges. These moth midges fall into the spadix and cannot escape due to a ring of downward-pointing stiff hairs. However, after 24 hours the hairs weaken and the mosquitoes can escape. Pollinated with pollen, they visit the next flower and the ritual is repeated.
Planted on estates
The spotted arum is native to our country in South Limburg and the river area. The arond lily likes a moist, calcareous soil with easily decomposable leaves or needles. Along the inner dune edge, the species was probably planted on estates in the past, from where it spread further.
Italian arum
The Italian arum is on the rise. This is a species from Southern Europe, which you can also see in our region. The Italian arum is in all respects larger than the spotted arum. The leaf is more arrow-shaped and has whitish to yellow veins. This leaf is formed before winter, while the leaf of the spotted arum comes in early spring.
Dune Conservation is the independent foundation for coastal protection. In the interest of nature and people. Because we cherish the coast. Knowing more? Go to www.duinhouden.nl.
