arum family

Family Araceae, containing about 2,000 species, many of which are popular ornamentals and foliage plants. Native primarily to the tropics and subtropics, a few species grow in temperate zones. The genera and are grown for their vinelike habit and large green leaves. Other arums grown ornamentally include the florist's calla lily and the water arum (). Jack-in-the-pulpit () is well known in woodlands, and the foul-smelling eastern skunk cabbage () in marshes. The genus contains about 15 perennial species noted for funnel-shaped bracts and glossy, arrow-shaped leaves. Sap in species can be poisonous.

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