#mayapples

[geopsych]

At the base of the big oak in the woods.

[fadingsublimekoala]

Springy flower time. I'm happy I found these in the woods.

[parsleydraws]

mayapples & rain

[bonersniper]

So we're getting really into foraging and found a crazy amount of mayapples

And just a smidge fo chicken of the woods

[eatfreeordie]

I'm gonna try ripening mayapples off the plant...

[lraquel]

Other things you find while morel hunting. The blossom of a mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum. 4/18/21

This plant like, this plant... I get into so many arguments with hobby foragers about this plant. Like, if you're not operating at a professional level, leave her alone. The roots especially are used for traditional medicine and the effects of consumption are not so pretty. It's said you can expel worms with it. Ask our Google Overlord to tell you stories about plucky Millennials eating the fruit only to poison themselves because they didn't do it exactly right. Because every part of this plant is toxic (except the less bothersome super ripe fruit) and they left the seeds in...even the seeds are toxic.

It has been known to cause human fatalities from ingestion and topical application.

Fun Fact: A recent clinical trial studied one of its extract's effectiveness as a topical treatment for penile warts. NEAT

[continent-of-wild-endeavor]

I walked by this spot thinking, "Ah, this is the place that'll have all those mayapples, but later. It's too early for them even to be up yet." But I was WRONG. Here they come!

[lunasong365]

Secret of the mayapple flowers (Podophyllum peltatum)

This is what you might see if you look under the mayapple’s large, umbrella-shaped leaves!