Aspidistra
(from aspidiseon, a little round shield; in reference to the form of the flower). SYN. Porpax (of Salisbury). Including Plectogyne. ORD. Liliaceae. Hardy, or nearly hardy, evergreen, foliage plants. Flowers insignificant, produced close to the ground, remarkable for the curious mushroom-like stigma by which this genus is characterised. They thrive in almost any ordinary garden soil, but are best grown in rich loam, leaf soil, and sand; plenty of moisture being allowed. Propagated by suckers. A. elatior (taller).* l. oblong, large, on long petioles, leathery; plant stemless. h. 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. Japan, 1835. This very easily cultivated and quite hardy foliage plant is much grown for window gardening and other decorative purposes, for which it is well suited.
A. e. variegata (variegated).* A fine variety with alternately. striped green and white leaves.
A. lurida (lurid). fl. purple. July. l. oblong-lanceolate, on long petioles. h. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. China, 1822. A very graceful species, with long evergreen leaves. It is an effective plant for the outdoor garden during summer, and is nearly, if not quite, hardy.
A. punctata (dotted). l. lanceolate, on long stalks. h. 1ft. China. This is very closely allied to A. elatior, but of inferior value.