This appears to be the flower cluster for some variety of Elephant Ear Plant (Colocasia). We say “appears” because it’s one of several such clusters growing where elephant-eared leaves were seen last summer.
This is what that spot looked like last simmer:
The flower cluster is about four inches tall; the summer leaves were about two feet broad. Perhaps some of you gardeners and/or botanists can identify this interesting plant for us. Thanks to photographer Werner Gansz for the tip. (Brooklin, Maine)