Arum maculatum - Lords and Ladies - (Araceae)

This strange spring flower first becomes apparent in January, when its narrow green spikes emerge from the ground. Inside each spike is an unusual flower stem, bearing a purple flower. In fact this is a compound flower, with the male above the female.

Lords and Ladies in springtime

The flowers open in April and May, and then the hood decays leaving a stem on which berries develop and ripen in the autumn.

Lords and Ladies in autumn

Lords and ladies are a frequent sight beside riverside paths and shady lanes in Wales. Their other common name is Cuckoo Pint.

This is a poisonous plant.