Arum plant spadix. Light micrograph of a vertical section through the lower part of the spadix from a lords and ladies (Arum maculatum), or cuckoo pint, plant. This section shows the female flowers (bulb-shaped, here reduced to carpels) either side of the central spadix. The ovules (darker areas), which contain eggs, are seen inside the carpels. The spadix is a structure enclosed within a spathe (not seen). The upper part of the spadix smells of carrion and attracts small flies which end up trapped in this area, helping to pollinate the plant.