Lysichiton camtschatcensis

1 Jul

Lysichiton camtschatcensis Spathe (05/05/2012, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Late spring

Soil: Moist, poorly drained

Eventual Height: 90cm

Eventual Spread: 60cm

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b,9a, 9b

Family: Araceae

Sub Family: Orontioideae

Lysichiton camtschatcensis is a clump forming deciduous herbaceous perennial that prefers boggy conditions. Its mid green glossy leaves are broadly oval with distinctive veining, appear in rosettes and are up to 90cm long. Its fragrant white flowers are lance shaped pointed spathes, these appear before the leaves and are up to 30cm in height.

Lysichiton camtschatcensis (05/05/2012, Kew Gardens, London)

Lysichiton camtschatcensis, commonly known as the Asian Skunk Cabbage or White Skunk Cabbage, is native to Japan, the Kamchatka Peninsula and islands in between. In its native habitat it is found along stream edges, and in wet woodlands and swamps.

The etymological root of the binomial name Lysichiton is derived from the Greek lusis meaning ‘loose’ and xitwn meaning ‘tunic’, in reference to spathe of this plant. Camtschatcensis is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Kamchatka’.

The landscape architect may find Lysichiton camtschatcensis useful for marginal planting to lakes, ponds and streams, providing a mass of fragrant spring flowers.

Ecologically, Lysichiton camtschatcensis is attractive to some species of beetle who pollinate its flowers.