These are the pollen-producing flowers at the base of the spadix. The flower dies after producing the pollen (males are expendible in the floral world!), no berries for this guy. The insect on the left of the flower is a flower fly, not a bee.
If you open the bottom of the spathe (pulpit) you'll see the round green pistillate flowers on the spadix which, if pollinated, will become the berries in the autumn. Perhaps this should be called a "Jill"-in-the-Pulpit!
Maple Family April 29, 2005 This small tree grows in the Smokies and blooms in late April and early May. The light green flowers hang like pendants, usually below the large leaves. Most maple flowers don't have petals, so these are much more showy and pretty! I found this tree blooming along the Little River Trail while I was leading a hike for the Gatlinburg Wildflower Pilgrimage. Perennial - tree Where seen: Great Smoky Mountains, Fall Creek Falls SP
