JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT; INDIAN TURNIP (ARISAEMA TRIPHYLLUM) Jack-in-
the-pulpit is not widespread in Nova Scotia, but can be found in
rich soil in woodlands, thickets, ditches, and low-lying
streamsides. It is an unusual wildflower in appearance. Leaflets
are in threes, above which a spathe arises. This green and white
striped hood obscures the spadix carrying the flowers, or Jack.
The fruit are clusters of red berries. The corms were once dried
and ground as a coarse flour; apparently, this processing
renders harmless the oxalate crystals, which normally cause
poisoning symptoms when the plant is eaten. The greatest
concentration of the toxin occurs in the leaves. Calcium
oxalate, a compound derived from oxalic acid, as well as enzymes
that trigger the release of histamine in the bloodstream of
persons who ingest the leaves. Oxalates are needle-like
crystals, which, when eaten, may pierce the mouth, throat, and
digestive tract as they pass through, causing, at the very
least, intense discomfort. TYPICAL POISONING