The Whipcord Cobra Lily ( Arisaema tortuosum ) is certainly an unusual plant. It is native to the Himalayan Mountains and grows up to around 1.2 metres tall. If you like strange plants in the garden, this one will certainly stand out. Arisaema tortuosum is cold hardy to -10°C and can be grown in cold and temperate climates.
This species is a member of more than 250 in the Genus ‘Arisaema’ which are also known as ‘Jack in the Pulpit’ plants. The Whipcord Cobra Lily thrives in a shaded location under the shade of trees or fence that will keep it cool and moist, however the soil should be well draining because it does not like boggy oils and can be prone to rot in these conditions.
Growth
Arisaema tortuosum is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow as tall as 1.2 metres and 0.8 metres wide. It can have between 1-4 bipinnate leaves around the base off the plant and the large stem develops leaves that open to reveal a green 12-15 cm pitcher shaped flower. The common name comes from the long, whip like tongue that grows around a foot upwards out of the flower mouth, the tongue is a green to purple colour.
The plant will go dormant in the winter and generally doesn’t need watering during this time, you will know this is happening when the leaves yellow and fall. Can be grown in pots.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Araceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 35°C / 50 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, moist peat to loam soil
LOCATION:
Full Shade to Dappled Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.2 metres (4 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 0.8 metres (2.6 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Flies. Plant is either male or monoecious (both male and female flowers are present on the same plant), this can change from year to year!
MATURITY:
2-3 years
GERMINATION RATES:
86-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks, dependent on conditions
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 30
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy – Medium
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 1 year.
FACTS ABOUT ARISAEMA TORTUOSUM (whipcord Cobra Lily)
The tongue like ‘whip’ that grows out of the mouth of its flower can grow up to 30cm long and can be either male or bisexual!
This Cobra Lily is native to the Himalayas and western China to southern India and Myanmar.
The tubers of this plant can be eaten and juice from them has been used as an insecticide in cattle!
