University of Alberta Museums Search

Inflorescence a single terminal spadix, 1.5 to 2.5 cm long, 40 to 60 sessile flowers, subtending spathe; spathe egg-shaped, white upper surface, 2.5 to 7 cm long, concave to flat, behind spadix; flowers radially symmetric, lacks sepals and petals, most bisexual except for the top most flowers of the spadix which are exclusively staminate; stamens 6 to 12, anthers short and broad, filament narrow; pistils 1, ovary superior, stigma round

Unique Adaptations: Each shoot has only one inflorescence per year, but each spadix may contain more than one spathe (up to four) (Dudley, 1937). Pollination is by insects (Dudley, 1937), but it has also been noted by snails, where they laboriously climb the stalk that they are attracted to by an unpleasant smell (McGregor, 1976). Ethno-botanical uses: The roots have been used in bread-making, however, caution must be exercised in doing so. The plant contains high concentrations of calcium oxalate, which may cause buring of the mouth and throat (Plants of Alberta). The genus name is thought to come from the Greek word kallos, meaning ‘beautiful’ (Johnson et al. 1995).