Jacquemont's Cobra Lily

Variable in size of plant and leaves. Plants with larger size have darker leaves, up to 20 x 9.5 cm and larger seeds (3-3.5 mm broad). The number of leaflets is variable and in some cases (Gharial, R.R. & I.D. Stewart 3807, p.p.; Murree Hills, R.R. Stewart July, 1948; Alwas, Chamba State, R.R. & I.D. Stewart June 1917, p.p.) have 3 leaflets and in one extreme case, the same plant has 1 and 5 leaflets. Inflorescence producing 2 spadices enclosed in a single spathe has also been observed in a specimen from Upper Topa (E.N. & M.A.S. 1503). The species is fairly common in forest openings from 2300-3400 m.

Paradioecious. Bulb subglobose, 2-3 cm broad. Leaves 1 or 2. Leaflets 5-7, elliptic-ovate or elliptic-lanceolate, 4.5-13.5 x 2-4 cm, caudate-subacuminate, subsessile, cuneate, subentire, wavy to crenulate; petiole up to 22 cm long. Spathe green, white-streaked, as long as or longer than the foliage; tube cylindric, 3.7-5.5 cm long; limb curved, oblong to oblong-ovate, slightly shorter than the tube, tail 4-8 cm. Spadix included in the spathe; appendage rather stout, curved, base dilated, truncate (in male) or cuneate (in female); in male, spadix 3-5.4 cm long (in female 5.8-6.2 cm at post anthesis), darker towards the tips. Male flowers: stamens stipitate, anthers subglobose, c. 1 mm broad, dehiscing by longitudinal slits or by an apical pore. Female flowers: ovary subglobose, 1.5-2 mm long, style subsessile, stigma disciform. Berries globose, 4-4.5 mm broad, red when mature. Seeds 3-8, subglobose, up to 2.5 mm broad, reddish brown, acutish at one end.

Afghanistan, Himalaya (Kashmir to Bhutan), N. Assam, S.E. Tibet.

Distribution: Kurram, Afghanistan, subtropical and temperate Himalayas, from Kashmir to Sikkim, S. Tibet and N. Assam.

2700-4000 m

Fl. Per.: June July.