I posted a contest in my herbal medicine group Megan’s Herbal Apothecary the other day- who could identify this native Wisconsin fruit?
It took quite a few guesses before someone found it. This is the delicious, dangerous, elusive, & highly sought-after Mayapple (Podophyllum), also known by some as Wild Mandrake. I have been searching for this fruit you see here for TWO years, and I had been tracking this particular plant since spring.
So what’s the hype? Well for starters, the fruit is difficult to find- each plant only bears one fruit, and they don’t always fruit every year. The fruits are generally only ripe from the last couple weeks of August to the first week of September in Wisconsin.
Every part of the plant you see above picture is highly poisonous. Until the fruit turns a delicate yellow color and becomes soft, it is toxic. Ingestion of plant parts (other than ripe fruits) produces emesis and catharsis. Larger quantities can induce coma and death. Even handling the plant can poison you- severe dermatitis, keratitis, and even deaths have been reported from repeated topical application.
Because the ripe fruits are so tasty, they are a favorite of wildlife and are typically enjoyed before humans ever find them. So even if you do find these plants, and do visit them during the right time, there are no guarantees you’ll get to enjoy the literal fruit of your labor.
Wait… do you see what I see??
Could it be?? A ripe Mayapple!
(My actual face when I found it. The toddler was unimpressed.)
Come to find out, one of my favorite parks is full of Mayapple patches. I located about 15 patches, with dozens of plants. Out of that, I got 2 ripe fruits, and 3 green ones that I’m hoping will ripen on my counter.
*update- they do not seem to ripen when they are not attached to the plant, I would not recommend harvesting them green.
Mayapple plants (on the left) growing next to the walking path.
My first bite of this mysterious and elusive deliciousness.
The Mayapple (when ripe) has an intoxicatingly deep fruity, perfumey scent. The flesh has the consistency and flavor of banana, paired with the flavor of a very ripe pear and hints of guava & lemon. The tender skins have a stronger hint of lemon to them, with a sweetly pleasant tang. The membranes surrounding the seeds in the middle are even sweeter- a deep, perfumy essence with a touch of vanilla. But don’t be fooled by it’s alluring flavor- the seeds are considered poisonous. I sucked the middle part until I got as much of the membranes off as I could, and spit out the seeds in the woods in the hopes they will become another Mayapple patch next year. (Word of caution- eating too many Mayapples can cause digestive upset. Likely why nature was wise enough to have only one fruit per plant, and make multiple fruits so hard to find!)
What a great experience! I know herbalists who have gone years without ever getting to experience the delight of finding and enjoying this delicious Wisconsin treat.
So if you’re out and about this time of year- do watch for the Mayapples!
One last shot of my favorite park. (Ooh, what is that in the bottom corner??) 😉
Thanks for visiting!
Megan Normansell, CHC, AADP, CFH
Certified Holistic Practitioner/Holistic Nutrition/Herbalist/Wild Edibles Guide
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