Skunk

The Skunk Cabbage is out and wafting nicely. 
The story behind it:
* it originates in America; 
* there are two sorts Eastern ( a fleshy mottle red) and Western (this one, yellow) 
* it loves bogs and dampness
* it's interesting pong attracts pollinators so it is a good thing in the garden 
* it's one of the arum family
* the yellow hood is called a spathe and is a sort of leaf
* the sticky up bit is called a spadix and contains the flowers - there are lots
* it has large roots which bears like to eat after hibernation as a laxative
   * should humans try they will suffer from burning lips or worse! 

Now we know. And it's raining again.