[simage=5584,400,y,center]
A University of Iowa biology professor is conducting a study around Marion County and needs some help tracking down skunk cabbage.
Diana Horton is researching this rare plant and is currently looking for sites around Marion County, which lies in the western most reaches of the plant’s North American range.
Skunk cabbage makes for an interesting study because it generates its own heat, up to 95 degrees farenheit, to melt through frozen ground to flower in the middle of winter.
[simage=5583,400,y,center]
The cabbage is very pungent and releases the odor when its large, bright leaves are broken.
The plant is typically found along shaded woodland slopes where there are small streams and muddy soil.
Marion County Naturalist Marla Mertz says she’s never run across the flower in her experience, but understands why it offers such an interesting study.
If you know where to find skunk cabbage, contact Dr. Horton at diana-horton@uiowa.edu.