Lysichiton
/ˌlaɪsɪˈkaɪtən/noun
A genus of wetland plants in the arum family, commonly known as skunk cabbage.
Did you know?Lysichiton flowers can produce a strong carrion-like odor, helping attract flies and other insects that pollinate the plant.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leu-
“To loosen, divide, or release”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λύσις (lýsis)
“A loosening, release, or dissolution”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χιτών (khitṓn)
“A tunic or garment”
19th Century
Botanical Latin
Lysichiton
“A compound formed from lýsis, “loosening,” and khitṓn, “tunic””
1857
Botanical Latin
Lysichiton
“Genus name established by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott for wetland arums with a hood-like spathe”
Modern English
English
lysichiton
“A genus of skunk cabbages, including the western skunk cabbage”