(aka Indian Turnip)
Arisaema atrorubens
This member of the Arum family consists of a "pulpit" (the spathe) that is a curving ridged hood that covers the "Jack" (the spadix). The spathe is 2 - 4 inches (5 - 10 cm) long and can be purple, green, or striped. The flowers are tiny and are at the base of the spadix. "Male" and "female" flowers are often on separate plants. The leaves are trifoliate usually with 1 or 2 per plant. Some authorities recognize 1 species, others 3 due to minor variations in leaves, spathe, or size. The plant grows in rich woods and flowers from April to June.The roots contain sodium oxalate crystals that invoke a burning reaction when eaten raw. American Indians gathered the taproot as a vegetable and solved the problem by cooking the root before eating it.
