Arisaema jacquemontii aka Jacquemont's Cobra Lily

Arisaema jacquemontii is a tuberous perennial in the arum family, Araceae. Its native range runs from Afghanistan to western Yunnan in China. It also occurs in southwest India. This plant grows in temperate regions and in Himalayan mountain habitats. There, it occupies scrub and rocky slopes in drier areas. Its sites span upper forests and the lower alpine zone. These lie at about 7,900–13,100 feet [2,400–4,000 metres] above sea level.

In gardens, it reaches about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. Its spread is about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. The plant grows from an underground tuber and returns each year. It flowers from June to July. Plants bear either male or female flowers, according to Plants For A Future. Both sexes must grow together to produce seed. Flies pollinate the flowers, and plants cannot fertilise themselves.

Choose a cool, sheltered site with moist, well-drained soil. Loam or peat-rich soil suits it best. Sandy soil is also suitable. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Light shade suits its use in a woodland garden. A sheltered border or shaded woodland edge also provides a suitable home. It can grow in sun where soil stays moist without becoming waterlogged. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. Plant out only full-sized tubers, and add organic mulch for winter. Slugs can damage plants, so they need protection.

Fresh seed can go into a shaded cold frame when ripe. Stored seed may need cold treatment before it sprouts. Germination can take one to six months at 59°F [15°C]. Grow young plants in individual pots under light shade. Keep them under glass for at least two years. Plant them out while dormant, once their underground organs have grown large enough. Tubers can also be divided as growth dies back in late summer.

The leaves and underground parts have recorded food uses. These uses require care, since the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. Eating untreated material can cause sharp pain in the mouth and tongue. Reports describe cooked roots and dried leaves as foods. In Nepal, people also ferment the leaves before eating them. These records do not make the raw plant safe to eat. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal or other uses.