Japanese Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema sikokianum
ABOUT
Arisaema sikokianum, commonly known as Japanese jack-in-the-pulpit, is a distinctive and exotic-looking perennial. This plant sports a unique flower structure called a spadix, which is essentially a spike encased by a hood-like spathe. The spadix is club-shaped and typically a dark purple to almost black color. Hugging this spike is the spathe, which is quite striking—a white to cream base with a pointed tip, often streaked or flushed with purple, resembling a hooded figure. The foliage of the Japanese jack-in-the-pulpit consists of large, glossy, trifoliate leaves. Each leaf comprises three leaflets that are deeply veined, providing a lush green backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the dramatic coloring of the bloom. The leaves radiate outwards from the center, creating a full and textured appearance. The overall impression is an eye-catching plant with a sense of drama and exotic charm, paired with a stark color contrast between its striking flower structure and lush green foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Shikoku Cobra Lily, Japanese Cobra Lily.
Common names
Arum sikokianum, Arisaema serratum var. sikokianum, Arisaema sikokianum f. serratum.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit is known to be toxic to humans if ingested. This toxicity is primarily due to calcium oxalate crystals, which are found throughout the plant. If any part of the plant is consumed, the sharp crystals can cause immediate pain and irritation to the mouth, tongue, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include intense burning sensations, swelling and numbing of the throat, difficulty swallowing, and can lead to digestive upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, swelling of the airways may lead to difficulty breathing, which can be life-threatening and would require immediate medical attention.
To pets
The toxicity of Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit also extends to pets such as dogs and cats. Symptoms of poisoning in pets are similar to those in humans and occur as a result of calcium oxalate crystals. These symptoms may include drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral pain, reduced appetite, vomiting, and in some cases difficulty breathing if the throat swells significantly. As with humans, any part of the plant is considered toxic if ingested, and prompt veterinary care is crucial to manage symptoms and prevent more severe consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Arisaema sikokianum, commonly known as Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit, is prized for its striking appearance and unique flower structure, providing aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade tolerance: This plant thrives in dappled to full shade, making it suitable for planting under trees or in shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Low maintenance: Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Attracts wildlife: The flowers produce nectar and attract pollinators such as insects, which can help promote biodiversity in the garden.
- Deer resistance: Arisaema sikokianum is known to be resistant to browsing by deer, reducing the risk of damage in areas where deer are common.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Illustration: The striking appearance of Arisaema sikokianum, commonly known as Japanese jack-in-the-pulpit, makes it a captivating subject for botanical art and detailed scientific illustration.
- Garden Design: Its unique hooded flowers and dramatic foliage add an exotic touch to shade gardens, woodland settings, and Japanese-themed garden designs.
- Educational Tool: Horticulturalists and educators may use Japanese jack-in-the-pulpit to teach about plant reproduction, particularly the pollination process unique to arums.
- Photography: The unusual form and contrasting colors make it a popular choice for photographers specializing in plant and nature photography.
- Collector's Species: Enthusiasts often collect and cultivate Japanese jack-in-the-pulpit as part of a specialized collection of arisaema or rare plants.
- Cultural Symbolism: In Japan, it may be referenced in art and literature for its cultural significance and native ties to the region.
- Plant Competitions: Gardeners might showcase Japanese jack-in-the-pulpit in horticultural competitions due to its unusual flower structure and rarity in cultivation.
- Seasonal Celebrations: In certain regions, the blooming of Japanese jack-in-the-pulpit could be celebrated during seasonal festivals that appreciate native flora.
- Theme Gardens: It can be used as a focal plant in theme gardens that aim to represent a specific ecological environment or plant community, such as those mimicking the underlayer of a forest.
- Culinary Inspiration: Though the plant is not edible, its unique shape and structure can inspire culinary presentations or decorations, especially in avant-garde cuisine.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Uniqueness: Arisaema sikokianum, commonly known as Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit, has a distinctive appearance with its notable spadix and spathe, symbolizing uniqueness and standing out in a crowd.
- Mystery: The hidden spadix inside the spathe can signify mystery or things that are not immediately apparent on the surface.
- Femininity: The shape of the spathe can be reminiscent of a hood or veil, which in some cultures might symbolize femininity or protection.
- Exoticness: As a plant native to Japan, it can represent the exotic or the allure of the foreign.
- Transformation: The lifecycle of the Arisaema sikokianum, from its emergence in spring to its dormancy in winter, can symbolize transformation and change.
WaterFor Jack-in-the-pulpit, it is crucial to maintain a consistently moist soil without waterlogging the plant. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water the plant thoroughly with about one to two gallons every week, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Reduce watering to every other week when the plant enters dormancy after flowering. Always check the top inch of soil for moisture; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Overwintering plants need less water, so reduce watering to just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightJack-in-the-pulpit thrives best in conditions that mimic its natural woodland habitat; therefore, it prefers partial to full shade with dappled sunlight. The best spot for the plant is under the canopy of trees where it can receive filtered light. Avoid placing it in direct sun as strong light can scorch the leaves and diminish the plant's health.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Jack-in-the-pulpit is between 50°F and 70°F. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 30°F, but growth will be optimal when kept within the ideal range. Extreme heat above 80°F can be detrimental to the plant’s health, so it is best to ensure it is in a cool environment during hot weather.
PruningPruning Jack-in-the-pulpit is seldom needed, but occasionally it may require the removal of yellowing or dead foliage. Best to prune in late fall or early winter after the plant has gone dormant. Remove any spent flower stalks or old leaves to help prevent disease and to tidy up the appearance of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit prefers a well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix containing equal parts of garden soil, peat, and perlite or pine bark can create an ideal growing medium.
RepottingJapanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or once the corms have filled the pot. It's best done in late summer after the foliage has died back.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit thrives best in high humidity environments, ideally above 60%. Ensuring good air circulation can help prevent fungal diseases at such humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade with moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleJapanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema sikokianum) begins its life as a seed, usually dispersed by gravity or animal activity. The seed germinates in spring if conditions are favorable, generally requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, a small corm (an underground storage organ) is formed, from which a single leaf emerges during the first growing season. As the plant matures over several years, the corm enlarges, and the plant develops a more complex foliage structure, often with multiple leaves. Once mature, typically after several growing seasons, the plant produces a distinctive inflorescence consisting of a spadix (the "Jack") inside a spathe, which may be followed by a cluster of berries if pollination occurs. After the growing season, the foliage dies back, and the plant goes dormant, with the corm surviving underground through the winter to repeat the cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Arisaema sikokianum, commonly known as Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit, can be effectively propagated by seed. The best time for sowing seeds is in the autumn right after they are ripe, as this allows for a period of natural stratification during the winter. To propagate by seed, one should sow them approximately a half-inch deep into a well-draining seed starting mix. It is important to maintain a cool and moist environment during germination, which can take from one to several months. Once the seedlings develop true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a designated shady area in the garden.
