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Photographer: Kenneth J. Sytsma
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Family Liliaceae
Medeola virginiana L.
Indian cucumber-root
Medeola: for sorceress Medea, for attributed medicinal uses
virginiana: of Virginia
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| Status: | Special Concern |
| Plant: | erect, perennial, 12"-28" tall forb, woolly when young; stems hairy, unbranched; thick, edible, tuber-like rhizomes |
| Flower: | greenish to yellow, 6-parted, 1/2" wide, petal-like tepals turning backward; inflorescence a nodding, terminal cluster (umbel) of 3-9 stalked flowers; blooms May-July |
| Fruit: | purple/black, rounded berry |
| Leaf: | whorled, lance-like with pointed tips and pointed, touching bases; lower whorls of 5-11 leaves, upper whorl overhangs the flowers |
| Habitat: | moist; woods; in rich soil |
| (Glossary) |
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