Synandrospadix vermitoxicus

[Eduardo Goncalves]

Dear Fausto,

I still didn't collect S. vermitoxicus in wild, but I have been studying
this species for the revision of the tribe Spathicarpeae, so I think I have
some information you want.
Synandrospadix vermitoxicus can be considered a common plant, since
there are many collections of it in herbaria. It occurs  in northern
Argentina (Jujuy, Salta and Tucuman), Paraguai and Bolivia (Santa Cruz and
Tarija). It grows in the highly seasonal dry thorn forest (also known as
Chaco forest) and seems to be active from October to March (i.e., during the
rainy season). Based on photographs and field notes I could observe, it
grows in clear places and bigger plants can grow in full sunlight. It also
seems to prefer rocky soil, but plants are also known to occur in sandy
soil. I don't have average temperatures here with me right now, but I can
send it to you in a day or two. The dry season is colder and Synandrospadix
remains leafless. By the way, Synandrospadix seems to be one of the few
unarmed species of plant occurring in those Chaco forests. Everything around
have spines! I have been in a Chaco remnant in Brazil (close to Paraguay
border) to look for Synandrospadix some time ago and my arms still have some
scars!
My cultivation experience is not so good, because I obtained my own
specimen a few time ago. However, Julius Boos is very knowledgeable in the
germination and many other aspects on the cultivation of this marvelous
plant. Send  him a copy of this message (I don't think he is in this
Arisaema list) and he must have more information.

Arrivederci,

Eduardo.



>From: Fausto Ceni <cenfaust at TIN.IT>
>Reply-To: "Arisaema Enthusiast Group (AEG) Discussion List (and other hardy
>              Aroids)" <ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL>
>To: ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL
>Subject: Synandrospadix vermitoxicus
>Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 21:44:44 +0100
>
>Dear Friends,
>         I am searching detailed notices on climate, ecology and
>general life story of Synandrospadix vermitoxicus.
>There is someone who can give me some advice on where it
>lives, rain and temperature through the year in the home of
>this plant, something about life cycle and hints to
>germinate seeds? Who has seen it in nature?
>Many thanks!
>Fausto
>

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