Care of the rhizomatous plant Dracunculus vulgaris or Dragon lily |
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The genus Dracunculus, family Araceae, includes 2 species of rhizomatous plants: Dracunculus vulgaris, native to the Mediterranean region, and Dracunculus canariensis, native to the Canary Islands. Common names: Dragon lily, Common dracunculus, Black dragon, Snake lily, Dragon arum. This species is native to the Mediterranean region. They are rhizomatous herbaceous plants with a creamy-white and very dark green striped stem. The curious leaves are divided into an undivided central lobe and 2 elongated side lobes. The impressive flower is similar to the Arum but green on the outside and maroon on the inside; it can reach 40 cm (1.31 feet) in length. The flowers produce an unpleasant odor that attracts flies. They are used to form beds in cool areas of the garden and in deep pots to decorate terraces and patios. Dracunculus vulgaris needs full sun or light shade exposure; they resist mild and occasional frosts. The soil can be normal garden soil, deep, rich in humus and well drained. The transplant is done in autumn. Water abundantly waiting for the soil to dry out; slightly increase watering during the summer. They do not need additional fertilizers. They can be attacked by fungi that rot the rhizome and cause wilting of the leaves. They propagate by division of rhizome during the winter. |
Images of the rhizomatous plant Dracunculus vulgaris or Dragon lily |
 Dracunculus vulgaris  Dracunculus vulgaris  Dracunculus vulgaris  Dracunculus vulgaris  Dracunculus vulgaris  Dracunculus vulgaris  Dracunculus muscivorus |