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JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT
(Arisaema triphyllum)
Indian turnip
Description:
Perennial, 1-2 ft.. Two leaves, 3 leaflets each. Leaflets, oval,
mostly entire, acuminate, smooth, paler on underside. Bract, called
spathe, is cuplike with a curving flap, green to purplish brown,
striped. Scarlet berries are clustered. Eastern U.S. and along
the coastal plains in moist woods, swamps and bogs.
POISONOUS:
In fresh state, a violent irritant to the mucous membrane; when
chewed, it leaves a burning in mouth, throat ,leaving impression
of a sever scald, followed by inflammation and tenderness. Dried
root inactive and used medicinally as an expectorant.
Too dangerous to use without medical supervision. Thorough drying,
boiling or heating makes root edible.
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