Question: What is this? Found at Dexter Drumlin, So Lancaster, MA. 4-21-2015 approx 3:30P rubbery leaf structure, found in wet grass …
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Question
What is this? Found at Dexter Drumlin, So Lancaster, MA. 4-21-2015 approx 3:30P rubbery leaf structure, found in wet grass near brook. Orchid? reminiscent of a jack in the pulpit or Venus fly trap. sturdy. Larger than golf ball smaller than tennis ball
Answer
Dear Denosaurous, your picture is the inflorescence of Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk-cabbage). The red/purple mottled structure is a bract (a modified leaf) called a spathe that encloses the flowers. A little later, the leaves will emerge. If you bruise one of the leaves, you will get a characteristic fetid odor that gives this plant its name. Best wishes.
