Name: Arisaema triphyllum	Description: Family: Aroid (Araceae) Growth Form: Perennial from underground corms. Stems: No leaf-bearing stems present. Leaves: 1, basal, divided into 3 leaflets, the leaflets ovate to lanceolate, without teeth, smooth. Flower Arrangement: Flowers crowed together at the base of a cylindrical column, called a spadix, overtopped by the arching spathe. The spathe may be green, purple, or purple-striped. Flowers: Very small, crowed together at the lower end of the spadix. Petals: None. Stamens: 4 per flower. Pistil: Ovary superior. Fruits: Red berries in thick heads.	Discussion: The Jack-in-the-Pulpit flowers from April to May. The starchy corms can be dried and used to make bread. They cannot be eaten raw, however. This Indian Turnip is also a provider of a great variation in the color of the spathe.
Image:	Location: Habitat: Woods. Range: Throughout the state.	Waypoint:  N 38 degrees 34.755 minutes W 89 degrees 04.146 minutes Elevation 475 feet

© Copyright 2004, Odin Public School #700, all rights reserved.
Photos courtesy: Odin Tech Prep Team 2004
Project courtesy: Grant Arnold, Deniz Hawley, Kristen Minor, Brian Deadmond

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