A. griffithii ssp. pradhanii - GRS

[George R Stilwell, Jr.]

Herman,

A. griffithii ssp. pradhanii is grown by 7 members of the 'Arisaema
Enthusiasts' group ranging from zone 9 (+30) to zone 7a (+5 mean coldest
winter temperature). Others are trying to grow it (with some success) in
colder climates, but their plants have not reached maturity yet.

It is described in Udai Pradhan's book 'Himalayan Cobra-Lilies (Arisaema)
Their Botany and Culture', ISBN 81-85423-00-8, pp.53-57 complete with
botanical illustration.

Since the book is quite difficult to obtain these days, I'll quote some
of the descriptive text:

"Arisaema griffithii v. pradhanii was originally described by C.E.C.
Fischer in 1936 as A. pradhanii and named after Rai Saheb Ratna Bahadur
of Rhenock, Sikkim. It is much more ornamental, and is distinguished from
the type by a much larger (15-20 cm. wide) spathe of purple-brown
reticulated with clear to creamy-white and a spadix-appendage that is
over 50 cm. long.

In North Sikkim, the tubers provide an important winter food and
people are given permission to dig the rhizome for one whole week and
thereafter collecting is banned and monitored by the forrest department."

It was established as A. griffithii v. pradhanii status in the revision
of Indian and Himalayan Arisaema by D. Chatterjee in 1955.

There are two photos comparing the inflorescence of A. griffithii with A.
griffithii v. pradhanii on page 56.
The type inflorescence is held close to the ground and tightly curled
while the var. inflorescence is held upright well above the ground and
not tightly curled.

At Lachung, Lachen, and Jeluk in Sikkim, with elevations above 3000 m.,
the flowering time is at the end of May. It grows under Rhododendron
scrub and in open rocky situations.

There you have it. More than you ever wanted to know about A. griffithii
v. pradhanii.

Ray Stilwell
GRSJr at Juno.com