Skunk Cabbage
Symplocarpus foetidus (Linnaeus) Salisbury ex Nuttall
Skunk Cabbage: https://marylandbiodiversity.com/species/1660
Synonyms
Eastern Skunk Cabbage  Polecat-weed 
Tags

Map Snapshot

1,658 Records

GAALWAFRCLMOHOBABCHACEPGAACVCHSMKEQACNTADOWISOWO

Status

For many East Coast nature-lovers, Skunk Cabbage is a favorite harbinger of spring. It's always surprising how early this perennial herb arrives, often emerging in damp wooded areas even while surrounded by standing snow. Skunk Cabbage can do this because it belongs to a small group of plants that literally raise their temperature higher than the surrounding air! The process is called thermogenesis, and it involves mitochondria generating heat as part of cellular respiration. The heat allows the flowers to burst forth from still-frozen ground. It assists in the transmission of the plants' namesake fetid aroma, which attracts a suite of early emerging pollinators. The warmth itself then entices visitors to linger and to visit other Skunk Cabbage plants, further increasing the rate of pollination.

Skunk Cabbage is a very ancient plant, possibly existing in near its present form as far back as the Cretaceous Period (between 145.5 and 65.5 million years ago). The plants reproduce by seed, not by horizontal rhizomes. In fact, the plant arises from a thick, vertical rhizome, from which grow many roots ringed like earthworms. The roots are contractile, pulling the stem into the soil and thus helping anchor it in its soggy substrate. Individual plants can be very old, some estimated at 200 or more years.

Description

"The sheathing, shell-like spathe, mottled and varying from green to purplish-brown, envelops the heavy rounded spadix, on which are borne flowers containing both stamens and pistils. The broad leaves, which appear after the flowers, are at first coiled, later become very large and have a foetid odor when crushed" (Peterson and McKenny, 1996). Skunk Cabbage reproduces by reseeding itself rather than clonally through rhizomes.

Where To Find

Common throughout Maryland, in wet soil in woods and in open swamps.

Relationships

According to Illinois Wildflowers website, “The flowers are pollinated by flesh flies (Sarcophagidae), carrion flies (Calliphoridae), and various gnats. These insects are attracted by the carrion-like appearance of the inflorescence and its unpleasant odor. The attractiveness of the flowers is enhanced by the increased temperature that is maintained within the spathe during the early spring. The caterpillars of Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Ruby Tiger Moth) feed on the foliage of this plant; this moth is polyphagous. Young larvae of Bellura obliqua (Cattail Borer Moth) typically mine the leaves of the plants that they infest, while older larvae bore into the crowns. Slugs and snails occasionally feed on the foliage of Skunk Cabbage. Spiders often lurk within the spathes to feed on insects that visit the flowers.

"The toxic foliage is inedible to most vertebrate herbivores because it contains crystals of calcium oxalate."

However, after they emerge from hibernation in the spring, hungry Black Bears and Snapping Turtles will eat the foliage. Black Bears may consume large quantities, up to 99 percent of their spring diet in years when the availability of acorns, beech nuts and other mast fruits is low (McDonald and Fuller 2005).

"Skunk cabbage is sometimes known as Bearweed, as bears are one of the few animals that eat the buds and leaves. When bears awake after hibernating, they need to become unplugged before they can feast on grasses and grubs. Enter skunk cabbage, nature's Ex-Lax. Bears eat the plant to get things moving again. But don't think about trying it yourself: the juices of its leaves cause serious inflammation in the mouth [and eating large amounts of the foul-smelling plant can be fatal]" (Pique Newsmagazine Staff, 2015).

Seasonality Snapshot

Resources

View at iNaturalist View at Nature Serve Search Google Images Search MBP Facebook posts
View at Maryland Plant Atlas Search Flora of North America Search Mid-Atlantic Herbaria Consortium Search Norton-Brown Herbarium
Use of media featured on Maryland Biodiversity Project is only permitted with express permission of the photographer.

Source: Wikipedia

Eastern skunk cabbage
Skunk cabbage in early spring

Secure  (NatureServe)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Symplocarpus
Species:
S. foetidus
Binomial name
Symplocarpus foetidus
Synonyms[4]
  • Dracontium foetidum L.
  • Spathyema foetida (L.)Raf.
  • Pothos foetidus (L.) Aiton
  • Ictodes foetidus (L.) Bigelow
  • Pothos putorii Barton
  • Spathyema angusta Raf.
  • Spathyema lanceolata Raf.
  • Spathyema latifolia Raf.
  • Symplocarpus foetidus f. variegatus Otsuka

Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as skunk cabbage[5] or eastern skunk cabbage (also swamp cabbage, clumpfoot cabbage, or meadow cabbage, foetid pothos or polecat weed), is a low-growing plant that grows in wetlands and moist hill slopes of eastern North America. Bruised leaves present an odor reminiscent of skunk.

Symplocarpus combines the Greek word symploce, meaning "connection" and carpos, meaning "fruit", to indicate that the plant has a compound fruit.[6][7]

Linnaeus gave the plant its species name of foetidus, Latin for "bad-smelling".[8] The plant produces a strong odor, which is repulsive to many but sometimes described as smelling like "fresh cabbage with a slight suggestion of mustard".[7] The odor increases in intensity over time, as the plant matures, likely due to increased ripeness in the plant's stamens.[7]

Description

[edit]

The plant grows from a thick rhizome, typically measuring 30 cm (0.98 ft). It has leaves that are large, each 40–55 cm (16–22 in) long and 30–40 cm (12–16 in) wide. Blooming early in the spring, just its blossoms can be seen above the mud.

The plant is generally pulled back into the earth as it develops every year. The roots permanently wrinkle up due to their contractile activity.[7] Particularly towards the top or older end of older roots, these marks or wrinkles have an odd ring-like appearance. As time elapses the entire stem is buried below ground and the plant becomes practically impossible to dig up.[6]

The spathe, which is 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) tall and comes in a variety of colours, contains a spadix that is 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) long in which the flowers reside. While older spathes develop a darker general color with purple smears, younger spathes have a yellowish-green color.[9] Due to thermogenic properties, spathes can melt the surrounding ice in a circle around the spathe.[10] The spathes are hood-like or shell-like in shape. Their mottling closely mimics the fluttering lights and hues frequently observed on underbrush as the sun passes through the leaves of the trees above. On the forest floor, this usually makes it difficult to observe them.[7]

Eastern skunk cabbage flowers have both male and female reproductive organs, making them perfect. Dichogamy, or the division of gender expression into two temporal periods, is a common feature of blooming plants and serves to avoid self-fertilization. Because the flowers are protogynous, the pistils, which are the female reproductive components, reach sexual maturity before the male parts do (stamens).[11] The flowers are inconspicuously crowded on the spadix. The spathes act as the conspicuous portion of the plant. The inflorescence differs in size and the amount of flowers it contains.[7] Due mostly to the crowding effect, the flowers do not show three (or its multiple) floral parts, as should be expected for monocots, but four perianth parts. These look almost cuboidal in shape and overlap each other to make a box-like arrangement. In opposition to the components of the perianth are the stamens. The two-celled anthers are extrorse and move rather flexibly. The pistil's overall structural shape is distinctive: the style is cuboidal, the ovary is one cell, and the stigma has three lobes.[7]

The leafage consists of two whitish sheathing leaves, which have parallel veins characteristic of monocots. The true leaves are rolled within the hard-coiled center. When the tips have pierced the encasing sheath-like leaves, they are typically tinted purplish like the plant's spathe. The first and even second leaves' tips may have this hue on the exterior. These inner, or true, leaves appear to diverge from monocotyledonous plants and lean more toward the dicotyledonous plants' netted veining. The unfolding of the first three leaves reveals a progressive shift toward the later leaves' netted veining. The veining is palmately netted in every instance. The leaves have fairly big air spaces and loosely packed cellular structures under a microscope. There are several rhaphides present in the leaf's enormous bundle masses. There are a number of other crystal forms, some of which are cuboidal in shape or even spherical.[7]

Symplocarpus foetidus reproduce by hard, pea-sized seeds which, when fully grown, drop onto the slimy substrate after developing inside the spadix. Birds, small animals, and floods can then spread the seeds.[6]

Taxonomy

[edit]

Symplocarpus foetidus was first described as Dracontium foetidum by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in Species Plantarum in 1753.[12] The British botanist Richard Anthony Salisbury placed Dracontium foetidum L. in genus Symplocarpus in 1812.[13] However, the name Symplocarpus foetidus (L.) Salisb. was invalidly described by Salisbury. Five years later, the American botanist William P. C. Barton provided a valid description for Symplocarpus foetidus (L.) Salisb. ex W.P.C.Barton.[3]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

The native region of the eastern skunk cabbage is eastern North America. Its geographic range includes eastern Canada, the northeastern United States, and the states of Tennessee and North Carolina in the southeast and Minnesota in the west. In Canada, the plant's distribution ranges from western Nova Scotia to southeastern Manitoba.[14][15] In Tennessee, it is protected as an endangered species. Its habitats include moist regions including marshes, wet forests, and stream banks.[16] Like others in the arum family, the eastern skunk cabbage grows best in areas with great moisture.[7]

Ecology

[edit]

Eastern skunk cabbage belongs to a select group of thermogenic plants for its capacity to create temperatures of up to 15–35 °C (27–63 °F) above air temperature through cyanide-resistant cellular respiration (via alternative oxidase) in order to melt its way through frozen ground.[11] One mechanism behind maintaining heat around the plant is the thermogenic oscillation of the spadix: independent of light, a precise thermal regulator is produced by an oscillatory temperature-sensing model in the spadix under dynamic external temperature variation. An equilibrium between heat production and loss, due to heat radiation, evaporation, conduction and convection, is maintained in the spadix.[17] Additionally, the airflow around the spathe effiectively maintains heat generated by the spadix.[18]

Eastern skunk cabbage blooms while there is snow and ice on the ground, yet early insects that also emerge at this time effectively pollinate it. According to certain research, the heat the plant generates may aid in dispersing its odour in the atmosphere in addition to enabling the plant to flourish in cold environments.[citation needed]

Skunk cabbage plants generate skunk-like floral odours that contain dimethyl disulfide, aliphatic hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids, and esters, whereas only female plants produce aromatic hydrocarbons and indole chemicals. The fact that the spathe is warmer than the surrounding air may induce carrion-feeding insects to enter it more than once, promoting pollination.[19]

Calliphora vomitoria and other blowflies are common pollinators of skunk cabbage. Curiously, spiders' webs were frequently noticed at the entrance to the spathes. The flower's carrion-like odor attracts the flies, which become tangled in the spider's web and become food for the spider.[7]

Uses

[edit]

Numerous Native American cultures employed the eastern skunk cabbage substantially as a medicinal herb, spice, and mystical talisman. The plant was mainly utilised for its antispasmodic and expectorant qualities, which are still used in contemporary herbalism.[20] In particular, the Winnebago and Dakota tribes utilised it to encourage phlegm evacuation in asthma patients.[14] Different cultures also utilised it as a talisman and seasoning. It was employed as the medicine "dracontium" in pharmaceutical goods from 1820 until 1882 to treat respiratory conditions, neurological disorders, rheumatism, and dropsy.[21] Internal administration of the plant's rootstock can be used to treat a variety of respiratory and nervous conditions, including hay fever, asthma, whooping cough, catarrh, and bronchitis.[22] Young leaves that have been completely dried are particularly useful when reintroduced in soups or stews.[20]

Springtime skunk cabbage growing in a stream bed at the Trexler Nature Preserve in Pennsylvania.
Plants growing in a stream bed at the Trexler Nature Preserve in Pennsylvania

Toxicity

[edit]

Since its roots are antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, and slightly narcotic, it is not recommended to directly consume the raw plant.[20] While high quantities of the root can produce nausea and vomiting, headaches, and dizziness, handling the fresh leaves can burn skin.[20] Other symptoms of poisoning include swelling of the lip, throat, and tongue.[23] This is due to calcium oxalate crystals, which are moderately harmful to humans. It is possible to eliminate the toxicity with care, such as changing the water frequently when boiling the leaves, or thoroughly drying the plant.[24]

[edit]
  • Eastern skunk cabbage melting a hole through snow.
    Eastern skunk cabbage melting a hole through snow.
  • A cut-away view of the spadix (flower cluster) inside the spathe of the skunk cabbage.
    A cut-away view of the spadix (flower cluster) inside the spathe of the skunk cabbage.
  • Early spring growth of eastern skunk cabbage along a flowing brook on the island of Martha's Vineyard
    Early spring growth of eastern skunk cabbage along a flowing brook on the island of Martha's Vineyard
  • Skunk cabbage leaves and blooming marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) in a wooded marsh
    Skunk cabbage leaves and blooming marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) in a wooded marsh
  • Skunk cabbage emerging from ground during winter
    Skunk cabbage emerging from ground during winter
  • Left: Photograph of Eastern Skunk Cabbage spadix and first leaves. Right: Thermal image with bright yellow spadix, indicating a source of warmth, surrounded by leaves and branches in shades of pink and purple, indicating cold surfaces.
    Thermal imaging of a newly emerged eastern skunk cabbage showing heat, via thermogenesis, in the spadix

See also

[edit]
  • Lysichiton americanus (western skunk cabbage): also known for producing a foul smell, and often confused with eastern skunk cabbage
  • Lysichiton camtschatcensis (Asian skunk cabbage): from north-east Asia, but not known for producing a foul smell

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Maiz-Tome, L. (2016). "Symplocarpus foetidus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T64325342A67731102. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T64325342A67731102.en. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  2. ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Symplocarpus foetidus (L.) Salisb. ex W.P.C.Barton". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  4. ^ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  5. ^ USDA PLANTS Database: S. foetidus
  6. ^ a b c Stritch, Larry. "Eastern Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus (L.) Salisb. Ex W.P.C. Barton)". Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Williams, Katherine A. (1919). "A Botanical Study of Skunk Cabbage, Symplocarpus Foetidus". Torreya. 19 (2): 21–29. ISSN 0096-3844. JSTOR 40595977. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  8. ^ "Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) - Ontario Wildflowers". ontariowildflowers.com. Retrieved 2022-12-03.
  9. ^ Kevan, P. G. (1989). "How honey bees forage for pollen at skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus fœtidus (Araceae)". Apidologie (in French). 20 (6): 485–490. doi:10.1051/apido:19890604. ISSN 0044-8435.
  10. ^ "Skunk Cabbage". The Nature Institute. Retrieved 2022-12-11.
  11. ^ a b Knutson, Roger M. (1974-11-22). "Heat Production and Temperature Regulation in Eastern Skunk Cabbage". Science. 186 (4165): 746–747. Bibcode:1974Sci...186..746K. doi:10.1126/science.186.4165.746. ISSN 0036-8075. PMID 4417289. S2CID 34084663.
  12. ^ "Dracontium foetidum L.". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  13. ^ "Symplocarpus foetidus (L.) Salisb.". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  14. ^ a b "Herbs, Plants, and Healing Properties – Page 4 – Legends of America". www.legendsofamerica.com. Retrieved 2022-12-11.
  15. ^ Small, John A. (1959). "Skunk Cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus". Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club. 86 (6): 413–416. doi:10.2307/2482646. ISSN 0040-9618. JSTOR 2482646.
  16. ^ "Symplocarpus foetidus - Plant Finder". www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
  17. ^ Ito, Kikukatsu; Ito, Takanori; Onda, Yoshihiko; Uemura, Matsuo (2004-03-15). "Temperature-Triggered Periodical Thermogenic Oscillations in Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)". Plant and Cell Physiology. 45 (3): 257–264. doi:10.1093/pcp/pch038. ISSN 1471-9053. PMID 15047873.
  18. ^ Camazine, Scott; Niklas, Karl J. (July 1984). "Aerobiology of Symplocarpus Foetidus: Interactions Between the Spathe and Spadix". American Journal of Botany. 71 (6): 843–850. doi:10.1002/j.1537-2197.1984.tb14149.x. ISSN 0002-9122.
  19. ^ Moodie, G. E. E. (1976-03-01). "Heat production and pollination in Araceae". Canadian Journal of Botany. 54 (5–6): 545–546. doi:10.1139/b76-053. ISSN 0008-4026.
  20. ^ a b c d Chevallier, Andrew (1996). The encyclopedia of medicinal plants. London: D. Kindersley. ISBN 0-7513-0314-3. OCLC 641789249.
  21. ^ "Herbs, Plants, and Healing Properties – Page 4 – Legends of America". www.legendsofamerica.com. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  22. ^ Bown, Deni (1995). Encyclopedia of herbs & their uses. Herb Society of America (1st American ed.). London: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0-7894-0184-3. OCLC 32166152.
  23. ^ "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". www.wildflower.org. Retrieved 2022-12-03.
  24. ^ Eaton, Janice Schofield (2011). Discovering wild plants : Alaska, Western Canada, the Northwest. Eaton. ISBN 978-0-473-18109-3. OCLC 730507317.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Symplocarpus foetidus.