As a child I always looked at these plants and imagined them as tiny umbrellas. I never knew that they could be used as lethal poison! Mayapple is the common name for the plant Podophyllum peltatum (L.). It is commonly found in the eastern US in wooded areas. In spring the plant has a small white flower which will become the Mayapple fruit.
The Mayapple was of significance to American Indians as a food, medicine, insecticide and was even used to commit suicide. The leave and roots are extremely toxic. The small round greenish/yellow fruit is not toxic and edible but it is advised by some to not eat the seeds or skin. Indians boiled the leaves and used the liquid as pesticide for potato crops. The root was dried and powdered for treatment of skin infections or other ailments. The lethal dose of this root is not known but it is not advisable for anyone to take it even in small quantities. In modern times, a compound in the plant has been synthesized and used to treat small cell lung cancer and testicular cancer. If you want more info on this check out this article- The American Mayapple and its Potential for Podophyllotoxin Production.
There are several superstitions about the Mayapple plant. Some people believe the powdered root stashed high up on a shelf in your house will bring good fortune. The Mayapple is also referenced in witchcraft spells. It is also said if a girl pulls out a Mayapple root in the woods she will become pregnant!
Mayapple fruit can be made into a beverage or jelly. I went with my family and friends the other evening and we collected a bunch of Mayapples. I am going to try a jelly recipe I found. I will be sure to let you know how it tastes!
Thanks again Colin, George, Beth, Sean, Ty and Todd for helping collect the Mayapples!
Recent Comments