THE NATURAL-HISTORY OF WESTERN SKUNK CABBAGE (LYSICHITON AMERICANUM) IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA

Western skunk cabbage is protogynous, with great seasonal variation in floral sex ratios. It is pollinated chiefly by a small staphylinid be etle (Pelecomalius testaceum), which was found most abundantly on male -phase inflorescences in southeast Alaska. Yellow spathes attracted mo re beetles than green ones, especially on male inflorescences. The gel atinous coat around the seed impeded local dispersal, slowed germinati on slightly, had no detectable effect on seed predation, and had a pos sible deterrent effect on a pathogenic fungus.