konjaku

Also known as: konnyaku; devil's tongue; snake palm; umbrella arum

A tuberous perennial producing a single flower in summer consisting of a shiny, red-purple spathe and tall, paddle-like, brown spadix. It has an unpleasant smell to attract pollinating flies.After the flower has faded a single, highly divided leaf appears with bright green leaflets and a stout, olive-green stem with white markings

Scientific classification

Species: konjaku (Amorphophallus konjac)
Genus: Amorphophallus
Family: Araceae

Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]
Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse · Bulbs
Plant type: 1-1.5 metres
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Columnar upright
Habit: Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

konjaku pictures

Distribution of konjaku

Distribution map

Indonesia to Japan

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]

Quick identification of konjaku

Information to be completed

konjaku care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Separate offsets when dormant, or propagate by seed sown in heat in autumn or early spring

Growing

Plant dormant tubers 10cm deep in late winter or early spring in a large container of loam-based potting compost. Grow in filtered light, water and feed while in active growth, and overwinter in warm, barely moist conditions

More growing and care information →