Hagg Wood

Added on 18th April 2017 by Kate Bartram

What causes the spots on these leaves?

[The plant is Lords-and-Ladies, also know as Cuckoo-pint (Arum maculatum). Sometimes when you see the leaves they have black spots on them and they have a genetic cause. However, as far as I can tell from what I’ve read there appears to be a fungus, Arum Smut (Melanustilospora ari) which causes black spots resembling the natural black spots on the leaves. So maybe we need to look more closely next time to see if it is one or the other. The plant does contain some irritant and poisonous chemicals, if you are sensitive put on a pair of gloves when touching the leaves if you want to look on the underside. Everyone else…don’t forget to wash your hands.]