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Lysichiton americanus

Yellow Skunk Cabbage

Yellow Skunk Cabbage
aka Swamp Lantern, American Skunk Cabbage, Yellow Arum, Lysichitum americanum. This large swamp plant is tropical in appearance with its fleshy oval leaves forming huge fans, up to 5′ long (150 cm). The yellow hood, called a spathe, pushes through early in the spring. A fleshy stalk about 4 – 8″ is revealed with tiny greenish yellow flowers. It does not smell like a skunk but its ordor may be objectionable in a closed environment, but not in the open. Common in low swampy areas below 3,500′ elevation.

Family:

Araceae - ARUM FAMILY

Genus:

Lysichiton from Greek words meaning 'loose' and 'tunic'

Species:

americanus means 'American'
Photo location: Carbon River Rain Forest at the old Carbon River entrance and ranger station.