Aroids
Aroids are
members of the Araceae family of plants. They are sometimes called
Arums.
Their
distinguishing feature is their strange inflorescence (flower) which
is usually a combination of a spathe (a bract that envelops the
spadix) and a spadix (a fleshy spike like a finger enclosed by the
spathe)
Aroids have
developed into many weird and wonderful species. They often occur as
normal terrestrial species ranging from woodland plants to bog plants
or even true water plants grown submerged in ponds or aquariums.
Some are
beautiful or bizarre and some are famed for their unpleasant smell
when their flower first opens. However they all have attractive
flowers or foliage which makes them highly desirable to the gardening
enthusiast.