#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream
Medeola virginiana, Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber
“Indian Cucumber-root is a member of the Lily (Liliaceae) family. The common name stems from the fact that the root tastes and smells somewhat like a cucumber and was used for food by native Americans. The plant is now quite scarce. ”
We walk on the other side of the Charles River today on a Charleslink trail we haven't walked since the beginning of summer. There is so much beauty, so many surprises this morning. I've passed this singular Indian Cucumber on the trail before, in May or June, perhaps, when it was in bloom, and it was stunning then, as now. I'm looking for it, but it finds me, stops me in my tracks - the purple berry shines like a jewel springing off a brilliant ruby setting.
“Medeola virginiana shoots consist of two tiers of whorled leaves. The lower tier typically bears between five and nine (occasionally up to 12) lance shaped leaves. The upper tier bears three to five ovate leaves. The leaves have an entire (smooth) margin. Some individuals lack a second tier of whorled leaves. The second tier is produced when the plant flowers. When two-tiered, plants grow to 30 in (76 cm) high. The flowers have yellowish green tepals and appear in late spring. The fruit is a dark blue to purple, inedible berry above the top tier of leaves.”
What a morning ramble in the meadows and woods cheerfully changing into September gold: a girlish black eyed Susan is dressed in a puffy yellow skirt. Soon after our walk, sitting at my computer, Charlie worries my knee with his nose, and I look outside; the sky darkens, the rain falls on the field in sheets. We had gone out early and caught the bright best weather for a late summer day.
All text and photos copyright Kelly DuMar 2017 unless otherwise attributed