Name: podophyllum peltatum	Description: Solitary, nodding flower borne in the crotch between a pair of large, deeply lobed leaves	Discussion: The Mayapple has a flowering period from April-June. Mayapples range from vary areas such as: Southern Ontario and western Quebec; south to Florida; west to Texas; north to Minnesota. The common name refers to the May blooming of its apple-blossom-like flower. Although the leaves, roots, and seeds are poisonous if ingested in large quantities, the roots were used as a cathartic by the Indians. The edible ripe golden-yellow fruits can be used in jellies. The alternate popular name "Mandrake" rightly belongs to an unrelated Old World plant with a similar root.
Image:	Location: Rich woods and damp shady clearings	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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