Quick. No serious thought. What’s your reaction to the photo?
When I saw this in person at the Missouri Botanical Garden — the first thing that popped into my mind:
POPCORN! You know, on the cob, lightly toasted.
I was wrong. It’s not popcorn at all. And I was a polite guest (I want to be welcome again) and did not nibble.
The name is: Anchomanes hookeri
Unless you live in Tropical Africa (or perhaps another tropical spot) don’t attempt to grow this in your backyard. But if you would happen to get it established, relax, it’s a perennial and will be back year after year.