Mayapple

Description:

The Mayapple is an ephemeral inhabitant of the forest floor. They spring up like small umbrellas in early Spring and wither in summer. They produce a single, white flower that develops into a small, apple-like fruit. The fruit is only apple-like in appearance. Although edible, it is toxic in large doses. Interestingly, these plants seem to be obligately dependent on mycorrhizae.