MAYAPPLE-DSC 3790

This is the flower of the mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) that grows mostly in shady woodland and produces an attractive white flower. The problem, though, is that the flower is so well hidden below the large umbrella-like leaves that it is not often seen. It grows in colonies that spread through rhizomes, and it has been suggested that some large colonies might be over a hundred years old. The plant is poisonous to humans, although the fruit (the May apple) can be eaten when it is ripe (but I have never tried it). Many animals consume the fruit, and the box turtle is thought to be the main seed disperser. Podophyllotoxin, which is the major toxin of the mayapples, can be used topically to remove warts and was, in turn, used as the basis for the development of an anti-cancer drug called etoposide.

Found in the East Don ravine parkland, Toronto.

(P.S. I only noticed when I got home that there was a lot of dust on the lens, hence the small black spots, sorry about that!)