Arales is a taxonomic order of flowering plants, more commonly referred to as the order of Araceae or arums. It encompasses a diverse group of plants consisting of approximately 120 genera and over 3800 known species. These plants are perennial herbs and are widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Arales are characterized by their distinctive inflorescence structure known as a spadix, which is a spike-like structure surrounded by a modified leaf called a spathe. The flowers of arales are relatively small and often clustered on the spadix. They typically lack petals but are enclosed within a colorful spathe that varies in shape, size, and coloration, making them aesthetically interesting. Some well-known examples of arales include peace lilies, taro plants, elephant ears, and jack-in-the-pulpit.
Apart from their unique inflorescence structure, arales are notable for having a wide variety of growth forms, leaf shapes, and sizes. Many species also have pinnately or palmately veined leaves. Some arales are aquatic, while others grow in terrestrial or epiphytic habitats. They are known for their adaptability and ability to survive in various ecological conditions.
Arales are not only valued for ornamental purposes but also have significant economic importance. Some species are cultivated as food crops, such as taro, which is a staple in many tropical countries. Moreover, certain arales possess medicinal properties, and their extracts are used in traditional medicine for their potential therapeutic effects.
In summary, arales represent a diverse group of flowering plants that are characterized by their unique spadix and spathe-inflorescence structure. They exhibit a wide range of growth forms, leaf shapes, and habitats, and
