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Re: Arisaema sikokianum- seeds

Ellen Hornig wrote:

>I don't know about A. sikokianum, but A. candidissimum certainly seems to
>pull itself downward, at least in pots (where I can observe it easily).
>When I emptied out my crop of same for winter storage last year, I
>kept thinking to myself "I *know* I didn't plant them *this* deep".
>But what puzzles me is how, in normally dense soil (as opposed to
>an artificial mix, which is fairly loose), they do this.  Anyone
>know?

Many geophytic (bulbs, corms etc) have a capability to pull themselved to
the 'right' depth.  Some use contractile roots (common amongst Oxalis),
others 'droppers' new bulbs which develop below the existing bulb (e.g.
tulips).  In this way the plant can proect itself from the rigours of what
is very often a harsh climatic situation.  Arisaema frequently produce
fleshy, strong roots and probably use the first method.  
Incidentally, this ability often accounts for the apparent disappearance of
bulbs from pots!
Regards,
David Victor
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