May 9,
Pine Hole Pond, Ward Reservation, Andover
The short-cylindric spadix (inflorescence in Araceae) is formed
of many tightly packed flowers. Each flower consists of a
plump conical pistil and six stamens around it, of which we see only anthers,
as the slender filaments are not exposed. The perianth (petals and
sepals) is lacking. Upper flowers are just staminate, while the rest are
perfect (i.e., having both stamens and pistils).