Description
A clump-forming Japanese species endemic to a few sites on Kyushu Island. Described only in 1970 this is now extinct, or nearly extinct, in the wild. The situation in the wild does not appear to have changed much since its discovery and there were said to be only a very few plants in existence when it was first found. Fortunately it grows well in cultivation and is well-established, though the plants are seldom large.
It has very decorative, patterned, semi-glossy, evergreen leaves, to 10 cm long, many with sage green zoning (this varies). The flowers are amazing and they have extended tails on each lobe to 8cm or longer. These are only partly visible on our pictures and extend outside of the field of view! The centre of the flowers is also interesting with contrasting colour patterns in shades of deep purple-black and white. You need to see the flowers, rather than have them described but they are worthy of a guest appearance in Star Trek. This is unlike any other Asarum!
Leafy, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in part shade. Hardy here.
