Explore Dracunculus vulgaris (Dragon Arum) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Dracunculus vulgaris | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Dragon Arum, Voodoo Lily, Stink Lily
Family: Araceae
Appearance: A striking perennial herb with large, lobed green leaves and a tall, dark purple-black spadix surrounded by a maroon spathe.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Herb
Root System: Features a tuberous root system
Height: Up to 1.5 meters
Width: Approximately 1 meter
Lifespan: Several years
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Flies, attracted by the strong odor the plant emits
Toxicity: Toxic if ingested; all parts contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation
Dracunculus vulgaris | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Mediterranean region, including Greece, the Balkans, and Turkey
Companionship: Often found with Mediterranean herbs and shrubs
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 - 9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance
Shade: Moderate tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Prefers moist, well-drained conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy, or sandy soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Can be grown from seed but often propagated by dividing tubers
Cuttings: Not typically used
Dracunculus vulgaris | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Not edible; toxic if ingested
Medicinal: Not widely used in traditional medicine due to its toxicity
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Not used as animal feed due to toxicity
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Not used for timber
Firewood: Not typically used as firewood
Wind Break: Not typically used as a windbreak
Fence: Not typically used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Attracts flies with its strong odor
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various insects
Sign up for our newsletter or connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest posts and permaculture inspiration.
Explore our inspiring series and posts:
Love the post? Share it with your circle, inspire your people: