Lush and tropical, a speckled stalk bears palmlike leaves in an umbrella shape. If its odor is the trick, the summer foliage is the treat. Lock complimented a neighbor who grew it years ago and got her first voodoo lily. Camden's original came from a friend 25 years ago. Because the tubers grow many offshoots that will mature and bear flowers in a few years, friends are a good source for the plants.
Some nurseries also carry the tubers.
Native to Asia, voodoo lilies are members of the arum family, which also includes callas and philodendrons. Camden, an insurance executive, makes sure his voodoo lilies get good soil, water and fertilizer all summer. As a reward, he gets foliage that punctuates beds of annuals and attract curious stares. Detroit Free Press and may not be republished without permission.