Description
For many years this has been thought of as identical to Paris violacea, but it is now regarded as a distinct species in its own right. It can be distinguished from violacea by its broader, more or less overlapping leaves, which make a complete disc. Each blue-green leaf has two paler leaf veins running either side of the midrib. In the flower luquanensis has green sepals which are paler than the green of the leaves. Both species incidentally have a purple underside to the leaf.
This dwarf species really is one of the loveliest and most desirable of the genus. Good in the garden in light, leafy or mossy shade, though it is a miniature and it needs careful siting and management, or it can be a perfect pan subject for the alpine house where its wonderful leaves and intricate floral structure can be fully appreciated. Again, it needs careful management, it is a plant of cool, mossy, shady places and with only a small rhizome, it does not have the resources to cope with neglect or less than ideal cultivation. It shouldn’t, for example, be allowed to sit in hot, direct sun, or become too dry.
Slow-growing with us and only available once in a blue moon, but worth any amount of effort. Half-shade in a well drained, humus rich soil, planted 2 cm deep. Not difficult but do keep a careful eye after planting until it is well rooted in (which can take one to two years).
