Besides the leaves under glass this seep also hosts skunk cabbage-Symplocarpus foetidus which I visit most years at this time. For those unfamiliar, these are the flower buds which precede leafing out and create their own heat so are often seen poking through ice. The broken leaves do give off a smell similar to skunk spray.
I may have photographed this same clump last year or not. It looks a bit like this share from last February. Sometimes they are multicolored and other times just green.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
It looks as though spring is seeping into your consciousness.
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It has been for a while. Actually for about 6 months. 🙂
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In an article by the Appalachian Mountain Club I found this:
“Skunk cabbage generates warmth by breaking down starch that it has stored over the winter in its roots and rhizome, or underground stem. In a process called thermogenesis, it uses oxygen to break down sugar, releasing heat.
“’It’s basically doing what we do” but on a smaller scale,’ Holdrege says. It’s behaving physiologically like a mammal.
“The skunk cabbage can keep its temperature fairly constant at about 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for a week or two in early spring, even if the outside temperature is fluctuating. Once this crucial period is over, it stops generating heat.”
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Extraordinary! It’s amazing what plants can do.. 🙂
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It is fascinating, never heard of such a thing.
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There is a lot going on out there that most of us have no idea about. I think I mentioned the book I linked to above to you in one of your posts where we talked about books. But if not, take a look. 🙂
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It’s on my wish list 😊
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It is. I recommend the book I linked to above in a reply to Steve for more stories like that.
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Good explanation.
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BTW, if you want similar plant stories I am reading the book “In Defense of Plants”. It is more about their way of life and they don’t really need a defense except when it comes to respecting and appreciating.They are indeed amazing and with most things in nature, there is more to them than meets the eye.
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Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve added it to my list of books to get.
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Very interesting image Steve! Liked seeing it!
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Thanks, Reed. I liked photographing it.
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Ah, yes, here they come. 🙂 The fact they generate their own heat is fascinating.
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There’s a lot more to plants than photosynthesis although that is their most important function for the rest of life on Earth. The book I mentioned above is filled with some amazing stories of their strategies to succeed.
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Surreal! It’s scenes like this that make me marvel at nature’s creativity. You have captured it in your lens so beautifully.
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Lately I’ve been reading about the plant kingdom’s strategies for survival and success in increasing the numbers of members. Some amazing things have evolved. Thank you, Monica!
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