Jack-In-The-Pulpit Canvas Print

The unusual form and color patterns of Jack-in-the-pulpit aptly illustrate the wondrous diversity of plants. This woodland plant, which occurs throughout the eastern United States, blooms from April to June. The tiny flowers are found at the base of the club-shaped spadix, covered by a hood-like spathe. With a little imagination, the flower does indeed resemble a preacher in a pulpit. Because the male and female parts of the flowers occur on separate plants, the flowers must rely on insects, usually gnats and flies, for pollination. After fertilization, the fruit matures into a cluster of brilliant red berries. The root of Jack-in-the-pulpit is a fleshy turnip-like corm or bulb. Though it may look tempting to eat, however, the root has a high concentration of calcium oxalate crystals that cause an intense burning sensation in the mouth when eaten raw. Properly prepared, the root serves a variety of purposes.

Gordon Beningfield was born in London, but spent his childhood in rural...