Asarum (Aristolochiaceae) BSWJ1688

taipingshanianum

Our collection from Taipingshan, northern Taiwan, gathered at 1885m in November 1993. Where this low growing perennial with creeping elongated rhizomatous roots grew in the dark forest. With leaves 2-3 per stem that are heart shaped white-maculate on their upper surfaces, somewhat reminiscent of Cyclamen. The purple to yellow flowers are three lobed borne near the ground. Best grown in a shady site in an acidic to neutral drained soil that has some moisture retention.