In the News - April 2008
April marks emergence of mayapples
LITTLE ROCK - April means mayapples in Arkansas.
"This is the time of year mayapples begin to emerge," said Dr. Tamara Walkingstick, an extension forester and associate professor with the University
of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
These curious plants, which produce an edible fruit, resemble little green
umbrellas that pop up from the forest floor.
"They like moist, rich soil, which makes forested valleys the perfect place
for mayapples to grow," she said.
When it comes to fruiting, the mayapple takes its time.
"The mayapple takes seven years to produce a fruit," Walkingstick says.
"After years of growing and maturing, it then has a little white flower – maybe
two – that will produce fruit."
After which, the plant goes out in style.
"It dies after fruiting," she says. "They’re gone by June or July."
The mayapple grows in colonies. All of the plants are clones connected by
their roots.
The fruits, which have a taste like lemons and bananas, can be eaten raw or
made into jelly.
"However, except for the ripened fruit, the mayapple is toxic," Walkingstick
says. "However, it has been used medicinally."
Cherokees used the roots and rhizomes to get rid of parasitic intestinal
worms and to induce vomiting, she said, adding that the Penobscots used them to
treat cancer.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
April 11, 2008
Media Contact: Mary F. Hightower
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uaex.edu
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