J20160411-0137—Lysichiton americanus—RPBG

Lysichiton americanus—yellow skunk cabbage. One of the more spectacular of California monocots. The spathe is about 10 cm. The huge leaves may reach 150 cm in length. Ranges north from Santa Cruz through the coastal counties of California thence to Alaska. It is found eastward from the state of Washington into Idaho and Montana. The plant has escaped from gardens in the British Isles to become an invasive species. Skunk cabbage is pollinated by beetles of the species Peelecomalius testaceum (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) attracted by a fetid odor. Photographed at Regional Parks Botanic Garden located in Tilden Regional Parks near Berkeley, CA.

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