Arum cylindraceum

This herbaceous plant emerges in early winter from a discoid, vertically oriented tuber measuring 3–5 cm in diameter and 1.5–2 cm in thickness. The petiole is terete, 12–18 (up to 23) cm long, and ranges in color from dark green to mid-green, occasionally with a purple tinge on the lower quarter. The leaf blade is sagittate to sagittate-hastate, with an acute to obtuse apex, measuring 9–13 cm in length and 3–7.5 cm in width, and is mid-green in color. The inflorescence is unscented, with a peduncle that is equal to or longer than the leaves, and a spathe that is 9–14 cm long. The spathe-tube is oblong-cylindric, 2–3 cm long, and constricted at the top, with a pale green exterior and a pale greenish-white to purple interior. The spathe-limb is elliptic-lanceolate, 7–9 cm long, and 3.5–4.5 cm wide, with a pale green coloration. The spadix is 5–8 cm long, with a slender-cylindric appendix that is 3–5 cm long and pale chocolate-brown to dull purple. The staminodes form a 2–4 mm zone with cream bristles and bulbiform, verrucate bases. The staminate flowers are in a 5–6 mm zone with purple anthers and yellow connectives.

Arum cylindraceum thrives in a variety of habitats, including deciduous woodland, the edges of coniferous woodland, open grassy slopes, pastures, and rocky slopes. It is particularly common in shaded, moist environments and is well adapted to temperate European climates.

This species is relatively easy to cultivate in a woodland garden setting. It prefers partial shade and well-drained, moist soil. The plant is best grown from tubers, which should be planted in the autumn. It is hardy in temperate climates and can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. Minimal maintenance is required, and the plant can be propagated through division of the tubers.

While Arum cylindraceum is not commonly cultivated for ornamental or commercial purposes, it is occasionally grown in botanical gardens and by plant enthusiasts for its early winter emergence and distinctive inflorescence. It has no known significant culinary or medicinal uses. Its ecological role includes contributing to the biodiversity of woodland and grassy habitats.