Description: Herbaceous perennial with tuberous root. It has lanceolate leaves, and the inflorescence is formed on a thickened stem, and is surrounded by a pale green sheathing leaf. The flowers are densely arranged at the very top of the thickened stem. Male (upper) and female flowers (lower) grow on the same stem. The inflorescence is pollinated by tiny flies that approach it due to its characteristic unpleasant odor. The fruits are berries accumulated on the stem in a bunch and ripen at different speeds.

Flowering time: March-May

Habitat: Forests and scrubland

Interesting fact: Known relatives of the Italian arum are anthuriums, philodendrons, difenbahia. All parts of the plant contain the toxic substances aroin and coniin.