Chinese Mayapple

Description

Rhizome very thick to tuberous. Stems pale green, annual, erect. Leaves peltate, 40cm across, lobes shallow, blunt; flowering stem leaves 2. Inflorescense an umbel, 5-8 flowered, terminal, exceeded and consealed by highest leaf; pedicle pendulous, to 5cm; flowers deep crimson, malodorus; sepals 6, 12 x 6mm, hairy on the back; petals 6-9, 18-35 x 6-8mm, glabrous; to 60mm diameter. Stamens 6, 18mm. Fruit less than 4cm, fleshy.