ts’akw’a’ | Skunk Cabbage – Plants in the Hul’q’umi’num’ World

Hul'q'umi'num' name:

ts'akw'a'

English Name:

Skunk Cabbage

Alternative English Names:

Swamp Lantern

Scientific Name:

Lysichiton americanum/americanus

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Description

Description, Habitat, Ecology, Distribution

This plant of swamps, bogs and other moist sites is so-named because of the strong odour produced by the flowers. These flowers are tiny and borne on a vertical stalk that is hooded by a distinctive bright yellow bract (modified leaf).

Island Cultural Role

Skunk cabbage leaves were used as an undermat for drying berries.

Cautions

This species may be harmful. It produces cells that contain bundles of microscopic, needle-shaped crystals (raphides) of calcium oxalate, which penetrate various human tissues if consumed. This can produce extreme burning and inflammation and, in severe cases, choking and possibly death.