There is a distinctive aroma in the air at this time of year, especially in the wet and soggy places on Vancouver Island. I took the kids out to Elk Falls Provincial Park near Campbell River this week and did the loop trail to the falls viewpoint and then followed the river up to the second parking area near the base of the John Hart hydro dam.
There are a number of very wet areas on either side of the trail where Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanum) grows. As you can imagine, the source of the distinctive smell was these beautiful plants. Their other common name is Swamp Lantern, which refers to their preference for swampy areas.
Skunk Cabbage Micro Climate
The bright yellow spathe (hooded bract) of the plant does look something like a lantern in the dark wet forest and is often visible before the broad basal leaves appear. The “lantern” surrounds a spadix or spike of small greenish yellow flowers and is a striking visual attractant for pollinators. The musky smell of the plant also serves to attract midges, gnats and flies and other insects. The spadix is actually able to raise its temperature and in the shelter of the spathe creates a slightly warmer micro climate. This enhances the smell of the plant and enables insects to be more active, and thus, better pollinators.
Knowing a little more about this fascinating plant makes enduring the smell all the more easier. While the odour is somewhat skunk-like it is not entirely unpleasant. The aroma definitely makes finding this beautiful plant a simple task.
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