What is a Voodoo Plant?

Amorphophallus

• Certain species of Amorphophallus, herbaceous, tuberous specimens native to the world's tropical and subtropical regions, are commonly called voodoo plants The name Amorphophallus derives from the ancient Greek "amorphos," which means without form, and "phallos," which means penis. Amorphophallus specimens sometimes called voodoo plants include A. konjac, A. rivieri and A. airei.

Dracunculus Vulgaris

• The voodoo lily (Arum dracunculus) is also called black arum, dragonwort and dragon arum. It is also known as the stink lily because of the unpleasant aroma the flower emits to attract its main pollinators, such as flies, beetles and ants. They are native to Mediterranean Europe, the Balkans and southwest Turkey.

Sauromatum Venosum

• Another voodoo lily is the common houseplant known by its scientific name Sauromatum venosum. This shade-loving, ornamental plant is grown for its attractive foliage and unusual flower, which can take up to 4 years to produce. It takes S. venosum between 3 and 4 years to reach a mature height of 4 feet. Although a common houseplant, place this Voodoo lily outside during its flowering period, as the bloom's pronounced spike emits an undesirable odor to attract pollinators.

Typhonium Venosum

• The Typhonium venosum has a large-growing nature as an annual and a distinctive maroon flower. A member of the genus Typhonium, which claims nearly 50 plants, these plants are native to the wooded, tropical areas of Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. T. venosum prefers shaded areas, but gardeners should know that all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested and may cause allergic skin reactions when handled without gloves.