ARUM MACULATUM. 
219 
numerous roundish germens, above these are placed many nectaries, 
which are divided into two circles, belvveen vi^hich are placed nume- 
rous sessile antliers, (vide plate 2, fig. b.) ; the berries are succulent, 
of a briglit scarlet colour when ripe, and correspond in number to 
the germens : each berry contains two or more hard seeds. 
The root of the Arum Maculatura, in its recent state, is allowed 
by most authors to be extremely acrimonious, but this quality is 
totally dissipated by drying, when it becomes edible, and affords 
nourishment somewhat similar to sago or salop.* The roots of 
Arum, when collected for medicinal purposes, sliould be dug up in 
autumn, when the leaves are withered : this season is recommended 
by Lewis, Bergius, and other writers on the Materia Medica. When 
so collected and carefully packed in sand, they will keep fresh, and 
retain their virtues for twelve months. 
Qualities. The fresh root is inodorous; when chewed, it 
excites a burning, pricking sensation in the mouth and tongue, which 
continues for many hours, accompanied with great thirst ; these 
effects are removed by oily fluids, and milk. The root, sliced and 
rubbed on the skin, excoriates or raises blisters. The acrimonious 
quality of the roots is entirely dissipated by drying, or by bruising 
and washing them in water. The recent expressed juice reddens 
vegetable blues, and by analysis has been found to contain malate of 
lime.t 
Poisonous Effects of Arum Maculatum. The following is 
related by Bulliard — "The three children of a woodman ate of the 
leaves of this plant: they were seized with horrible convulsions. 
Assistance was procured for them too late ; it was impossible to make 
the two youngest swallow any thing ; they were bled without success ; 
clysters were given them, which produced no effect ; they died, one at 
the expiration of twelve days, another at the end of sixteen. The 
other child was able to swallow, although with considerable pain ; 
the tongue was so swelled that it filled the whole cavity of the mouth,, 
but deglutition became free after being bled. The child was made to 
drink milk, warm water, and an abundance of olive oil. A diarrhcEa 
♦ Many of the Arum genus Lave mild roots, viz. the Arum Esculentum, Arum Colcasia, 
and Arum Sagittifolium, &c. These are eaten by the inhabitants iu the hot countries 
where they grow naturally, and some of them are cultivated, and the leaves boiled and 
eaten as greens. We are told by Mr. Loudon, in his Encyclopoedia of Gardening, tha 
in the Isle of Portland, the roots of the spotted Arum are collected and sent to Loudon, 
^bere they are sold as Portland Sago. — Ed. 
t Ann. de Chimie, xxxv. 153, 
