I have no doubt that Arum concinnatum is distinct from A. italicum, and it certainly has no connection with the forms variously known as 'Marmoratum', 'Pictum' (or however you want to write them) and a growing list of cultivars selected from the general gene pool. This is a very good example of the benefits of the horticultural group system whereby similar plants can be covered by a Group name, and exceptional cultivars distinguished by a cultivar name. I would suspect that in this case Marmoratum Group would be the preferred name for A. italicum (subsp. italicum) with strongly white-veined leaves. The name 'Pictum' has confusion potential with the autumn-flowering Arum pictum and is best avoided. Many A. italicum do not have these extensive white veins, and are either totally unmarked or with smaller patches of white or grey on the upper surface of the leaves. I think that Peter Boyce is correct to regard A. italicum as a single very variable species, but he has not yet addressed the issue of those plants with 'italicum' characters but 'maculatum' markings. My view is that most of these so-called hybrids are in fact versions of A. italicum, but study is needed. Although often recomended for the winter garden, which their foliage certainly adorns, the various A. italicum cultivars and forms are at their best about now as the foliage builds to its maximum before the inflorescences appear. My favourite is 'Nancy Lindsay', which isn't one of the better-marked clones, but the leaves emerge at this time of year a beautiful soft yellow. As they are rather big this gives a very striking effect in the garden. Of A. concinnatum forms the nicest I've seen and grown is 'Mt Ida', a selection from Crete, with speckles of grey and black on very dark green leaves. John Grimshaw Dr John M. Grimshaw Sycamore Cottage Colesbourne Nr Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NP Tel. 01242 870567 COLESBOURNE PARK OPEN DAYS 2007 Easter Monday 9 April, Arboretum Weekend 15-16 September Gates open 1pm, last entry 4 pm website: http://www.colesbournegardens.org.uk/