Arum maculatum

Lords and ladies

Arum maculatum, commonly known as Lords-and-Ladies or Cuckoo-pint, is a striking perennial herb native to Europe. Characterized by its unique spadix and spathe, this plant is historically significant in folk medicine. However, caution is essential, as all parts contain calcium oxalate crystals, making it highly toxic if ingested.

  • Scientific name: Arum maculatum
  • Family: Araceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Alismatalees, falling into the family Araceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Arum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Alismatales WCVP
Family Araceae WCVP
Genus Arum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Arum maculatum, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Poland, it is referred to as obrazki plamiste, while in Arabic, it is known as کاری (Karî). In Russia, the plant is called Аронник пятнистый, and among Serbian speakers using the Cyrillic alphabet, it is known as Kozlac.
Language Common Name Source
pl obrazki plamiste Wikidata
ku-arab کاری Wikidata
ku-latn Karî Wikidata
ru Аронник пятнистый Wikidata
sr-el Kozlac Wikidata
sr-ec Козлац Wikidata
fi täplämunkinhuppu Wikidata
hu foltos kontyvirág Wikidata
de Gefleckter Aronstab Wikidata
cs árón plamatý Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its range extends through the coastal and inland landscapes of Denmark and Great Britain. It can also be found growing within the natural habitats of Ireland. Moving further north, the species is documented to inhabit parts of Sweden. Finally, its distribution reaches into Middle Europe, specifically within the borders of Austria.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Netherlands WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Arum maculatum, features distinct leaves that are central to its morphological identification. The leaves are typically large, heart-shaped, or arrow-shaped, characterized by a prominent pattern of dark green blotches or spots on their surface, which gives the species its name. These leaves are arranged in a basal rosette, growing directly from the underground rhizome, and they serve to capture sunlight for the plant's energy production while providing a lush, textured appearance to its natural habitat.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Arum maculatum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoid, flavonoids, tannins, tocopherols.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tocopherols 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Arum maculatum has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Arum maculatum has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include digestive system disorders, liver cirrhosis, liver diseases, ulcerative colitis.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
digestive system disorders 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liver cirrhosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liver diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ulcerative colitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆