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Page 6
The first leaf (eophyll) bears little resemblance to the mature foliage. They can be simple (usually heart-shaped [cordate]), hastate (three shallow lobes) or trifoliate (three distinct lobes that look like three little leaves connected at their bottoms). There is no relation between the form of the eophyll and the number of leaflets the adult plant will have, but the shape of this first leaf is useful in identifying species.
Offsets can be removed from species who form clumps (preferably while the plants are dormant) and potted up or re-planted elsewhere. These tuberlets will be found detached from the main tuber. Don't be tempted to remove what looks like baby tubers forming on the often bumpy main tubers - they are there to replace the mother tuber in case of damage and will not form roots and grow on their own. If you have a species that does form attached tuberlets with roots, like A. dilatatum, you can safely remove those and grow them on...they key is that they must have roots of their own to grow on their own. Most tubers are somewhat round in shape, but I have noticed that A. triphyllum often forms rather odd cylindrical bits, totally separate from the main tuber, that are, possibly, some form of stolon or the tuberlet formed on the end of a stolon that has withered away. They don't look like they belong, but don't throw them away because they can grow on. Arisaema do not grow from stem cuttings. Continue to ------->Page 2 |
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