← Handbook of nature-study for teachers and parents, Volume 2
Chapter 41
Lesson CXXII
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Leading thought—The real flowers of Jack-in-the-pulpit are hidden by the striped spathe which is usually spoken of as the flower. This plant has a peppery root which the Indians used for food.
Method—The questions should be answered from observation in the woods; a single plant may be dug up and brought to school for study, and later planted in some shady spot in the school garden.
Observations—1. Where do you find Jack-in-the-pulpit? Is the soil dry or damp? Do you ever find it in the fields?
2. How early in the season does this plant blossom? How late?
3. How does the Jack-in-the-pulpit look when it first pushes out from the ground? How are its leaves rolled in its spring overcoat?
4. How does the pulpit, or spathe, look when the plant first unfolds? Is its tip bent over or is it straight?
5. Describe or sketch the leaves of Jack-in-the-pulpit. How do they rise above and protect the flower? How many leaflets has each leaf? Sketch the leaflets to show the venation. How do these stand above the flower? Can you find any of the plants with only one leaf?
6. Why is the spathe called a pulpit? What are the colors of the spathe? Are all the spathes of the same colors?
7. Open up the spathe and see the rows of blossoms around the base of the spadix, or if you call the spadix, “Jack,” then the flowers clothe his one leg. Are all the blossoms alike? Describe, if you can, those flowers which will produce the seed and those which produce the pollen. Do you find the two on the same spadix or on different plants?
8. What insects do you find carrying the pollen for “Jack?” Do you know how its seeds look in June? How do they look in August? Do the leaves last as long as the seeds?
9. What sort of a root has “Jack?” How does it taste? Do you think the Indians boiled it before they ate it? What other name has “Jack?” How does the plant multiply below the ground?
10. Compare the Jack-in-the-pulpit with the calla lily.
11. Write an English theme on “The Sermon that Jack Preached from His Pulpit.”