• kamenLady.@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    And here comes probably the stupid question of the week: Is their name month related? Are Maypops usually planted in May?

    • quercus@slrpnk.netOP
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      4 months ago

      The planting time was coincidence 😁 I read the “pop” comes from the sound the fruit makes when crushed. Maybe “May” is from when they usually start blooming? Though wildflower.org says they can flower from March to November.

      • kamenLady.@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        Thanks - i suspected it would be a coincidence. Maybe it’s supposed to be that they may pop = maypop

        • quercus@slrpnk.netOP
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          4 months ago

          Wikipedia says you’re right! That’s a hilarious origin 😂

          The egg-shaped green fruits ‘may pop’ when stepped on. This phenomenon gives the P. incarnata its common name, as well as the fact that its roots can remain dormant for most of the winter underground and then the rest of the plant “pops” out of the ground by May, unharmed by the snow.