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lejun | all galleries >> Views from the Alaska Inside Passage >> Southeast Alaska Botanicals and Insects > Western Skunk Cabbage
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08-JUN-2011 Lejun

Western Skunk Cabbage

Copyright © Lewis Scharpf

Lysichiton americanus
This plant emits a "skunky" odor which permeates the area where the plant grows.
The odor attracts its pollinators, scavenging flies and beetles.
Emerging from the base of the plant is the green "spathe" which bears the tiny flowers found in the spring.
The blooming stem produces heat which is often sufficient to melt the snow around the plant allowing it to push through the snow layer. This process is called "thermogenesis".

Nikon D200 ,Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D AF
1/60s f/9.0 at 105.0mm iso400 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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