Publisher's Synopsis
The genus "Arum" occurs throughout much of Europe and the Middle East in habitats ranging from marsh or woodland to arid, scrub-covered hillsides. Although several species, notably A. Maculatum and A. Alpinium are widespread, many of these 25 species are restricted to limited areas. In the past there has been much confusion in the application of names. This is due in part to the variability of many species, but also because many species have been described on the basis of single collections without reference to population variation.;Arum species are worth growing not only for their often richly-coloured inflorescences but also for their handsome leaves. Most species are hardy outdoors in Europe and make striking and unusual subjects for the garden. The few species that require frost free conditions, for example the Libyan A. Cyrenacium, are easily grown in pots under glass.;The monograph aims to clarify the taxonomy and nomenclature of Arum to enable the species to be indentified without recourse to an extensive herbarium and to bring the genus to the notice of a wider audience. It is the first full revision of Arum for almost 70 years.;The first part of the book describes the history, habitats, distinguishing characteristics, biology and relationships of Arum. It also discusses the taxonomy of the genus, comparing the various systems that have been employed in the past and explaining the new treatment. Detailed cultivation notes are provided.;Part two describes the species in detail, explains their diagnostic features and the points that have led to confusion in the past. The book finishes with a full synonymy for the genus and extensive reference section.
