jack-in-the-pul·pit (jăk′ĭn-thə-plpĭt, -pŭl-)
n. pl. jack-in-the-pulpits An eastern North American tuberous herb (Arisaema triphyllum) having three-lobed leaves and a striped, leaflike spathe that curls over an upright spadix. Also called regionally Indian turnip.
[From the resemblance of the inflorescence to a person standing in a pulpit.]