Skunk Cabbage

This month I have been starting to see Skunk Cabbage forcing its way up through the mud along the river and swampy areas of Connetquot River State Park.  As you might surmise, the plant earns its name from its odor, which serves to attract flies and other insects that aid in its pollination process. The plant has the great ability to create its own heat source.  Once it emerges, it will keep itself around 70 degrees, even when the temperatures surrounding it are at freezing.  The one pictured above looked like a heart to me, which seemed somewhat appropriate knowing its natural warmth.