Arum maculatum , commonly known as or Cuckoo Pint , is a woodland-dwelling perennial plant native to much of Europe, including the UK. It is widely recognized for its unique flowering structure and its extreme toxicity, containing needle-sharp calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate pain and swelling if ingested. Key Identification Features
: In Britain, the roasted and ground roots were historically used to produce "Portland Sago," a starch substitute, as heat can neutralize some toxins. arum maculatum
: A specialized structure consisting of a pale green, hood-like spathe enclosing a purple, rod-shaped spadix . It blooms from April to May. Arum maculatum , commonly known as or Cuckoo
: Large, glossy, and arrow-shaped (3–11 inches long). They often feature distinctive dark purplish-black spots —the basis of its scientific name maculatum —though these spots are not always present. : A specialized structure consisting of a pale
: While poisonous to humans and livestock, birds like blackbirds and thrushes readily eat the berries to disperse seeds. Safety and Toxicity
: All parts of the plant are highly poisonous . Contact with skin can cause irritation, while ingestion leads to severe mouth swelling, difficulty breathing, and stomach pain.