Cluster of Red Berries

[chrishorak]

There are a number of these growing under a hedge near our house. They have a short upright stem and a cluster of red berries.



Any ideas?

[CapAndBracket]

Arum maculatum known as Lords and ladies plus many other local names.

Cheers J.P.

[djackso]

Yep, also known as Wild arum, Jack in the Pulpit, Devils and Angels, Cows and Bulls, Cuckoo-Pint, Adam and Eve, Bobbins, Naked Boys, Starch-Root and Wake Robin.

[chrishorak]

Thanks. I know the flowering plant, but had no idea that they turned into these berries afterwards!

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by djackso

....... and Wake Robin.

Please don't I'm k.......d

Rob(in)

[djackso]

Originally Posted by robsutton

wake Robin - Please Don't I'm K.......d

Rob(in)

Lol

[leifus]

Naked boys - what a strange name for a plant - dunno where that name came from

[djackso]

Colchicum autumnale also had the names Naked Ladies and Naked Boys. Can't seem to find out why.

I guess back then they had to make their own entertainment, there wasn't any TV, internet, videos. But the mind boggles

[djackso]

Ref. Arum maculatum this may be why it's been called "Naked Boys":
"Cuckoo pint has been little used in herbal medicine and is generally not recommended for internal use. The shape of the flowering spadix has a distinct sexual symbolism and the plant did have a reputation as an aphrodisiac, though there is no evidence to support this".

So there you go

[leifus]

right...thanks

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by chrishorak

Thanks. I know the flowering plant, but had no idea that they turned into these berries afterwards!

That confused me too - for a long time I thought they were two different plants!

Not seen any red 'berries' yet this summer, the 'berries' are all still green round this area at the moment. I saw some this morning about a mile from where I live.