Description
(Heterotropa megacalyx)
In effect the name means “big flowered” and this certainly is, with very thickly textured, deep brown-purple flowers the shape of a three-petalled star and the size of your thumb. These are borne at ground level from about March onwards. They are quite remarkable in appearance, colour and size. In deep shade these are produced sparsely with some sun each day, they are made in abundance.
The leaves are evergreen but are replaced annually, in spring. They sit above the flowers on long petioles, but the whole plant rarely exceeds 15cm tall. In shape they are simple and heart shaped. In the commoner forms the leaves are plain green and lovely nonetheless, but in some rare forms they are clouded and spotted with pewter and jade green. The patterns can fade through the season.
The form being offered here is a very rare, semi-albino one notable for its yellow flowers. It has been raised in horticulture in Japan and even there remains rare and treasured. It was introduced to our lists in December 2016 for the first time ever.
Readily grown in humus-rich, well-drained soil in light or partial or transient shade, where it will clump to make a tight patch. It can also be grown in pots if wished.
