Aspidistra elatior
| Aspidistra elatior | |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| clade: | Angiosperms |
| clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Nolinoideae |
| Genus: | Aspidistra |
| Species: | A. elatior |
| Binomial name | |
| Aspidistra elatior Blume |
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| Synonyms | |
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Aspidistra punctata Lindley var. albomaculata Hooker |
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Aspidistra elatior (Cast-iron Plant) is a rhizomatous perennial, native to Japan and widely cultivated as a houseplant. [1][2]
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[edit] Description
Aspidistra elatior is a stemless plant to 1 metre in height with dark green leaves.[2] Small, solitary purplish flowers may appear at the base of the plant in spring.[1]
[edit] Distribution
Although sometimes thought to be of Chinese origin,[1] the species is in fact native to islands in southern Japan including Kuroshima,[3] Suwanosejima[4] and the Uji Islands.[5] It occurs in association with overstorey species such as Ardisia sieboldii and Castanopsis sieboldii.[1]
[edit] Cultivation
Aspidistra elatior is well-known in cultivation and has a reputation for withstanding neglect, giving rise to its common name of Cast-iron Plant.[2] It is tolerant of low light, low humidity, temperature fluctuation and irregular watering.[2] It is best situated in a position away from direct sun to avoid leaf bleaching.[2] Good drainage is also required for optimal growth and to avoid root rot.[2] The species is not seriously troubled by insects, however mites and scale may cause occasional problems.[2] Its leaves and roots may be subject to browsing by hoofed mammals such as deer, as well as rodents and rabbits.
A variegated form, A. elatior 'Variegata', is also cultivated.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d "Aspidistra elatior". Flora of China. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200027584. Retrieved 2009-02-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Aspidistra elatior". PlantFinder. Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/PlantFinder/plant.asp?code=B579. Retrieved 2009-02-19.
- ^ Sako, Shizuo; Katsutoshi Maruno (March 1983). "Flora of Island Kuroshima, Pref. Kagoshima, Kyushu". Bulletin of the Kagoshima University Forest 11: 33–61. ISSN 03899454. http://ir.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/bitstream/10232/945/1/KJ00000067228.pdf. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
- ^ Sako, Shizuo; Hidenobu Kirino (March 1980). "Flora of Isl. Suwanose-jima, Isls. Tokara, Ryukyus". Bulletin of the Kagoshima University Forest 8: 19–53. ISSN 03899454. http://ir.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/bitstream/10232/931/1/KJ00000067468.pdf. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
- ^ Sako, Shizuo; et al. (March 1988). "Flora of the Uji Isls., Kagoshima Pref., Kyushu". Bulletin of the Kagoshima University Forest 16: 83–108. ISSN 03899454. http://ir.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/bitstream/10232/988/1/KJ00000067295.pdf. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
