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{{SPlantbox
{{SPlantbox
|familia=Asparagaceae
|genus=Aspidistra
|genus=Aspidistra
|species=elatior
|species=elatior
|common_name=Cast-iron Plant
|habit=herbaceous
|Max ht box=1
|Max ht metric=m
|height_ref=Wikipedia
|origin=Japan
|lifespan=perennial
|exposure=part-sun, shade
|water=moderate, dry
|features=foliage, drought tolerant, houseplant
|Temp Metric=°F
|Temp Metric=°F
|image=Aspidistra elatior1.jpg
|image=Aspidistra elatior1.jpg
|image_width=240
|image_width=240
|image_caption=Aspidistra elatior
|image_caption=Aspidistra elatior
}}
}}
'''''Aspidistra elatior''''' ('''Cast-iron Plant''') is a [[rhizomatous]] perennial, native to [[Japan]] and widely cultivated as a [[houseplant]].
<ref name=FOC>{{cite web|title=Aspidistra elatior|work=Flora of China| url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200027584|accessdate=2009-02-19}}</ref><ref name=mobot>{{cite web|title=Aspidistra elatior|work=PlantFinder|publisher=Missouri Botanical Garden|url=http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/PlantFinder/plant.asp?code=B579|accessdate=2009-02-19}}</ref>
''Aspidistra elatior'' is a stemless plant to 1 metre in height with dark green leaves.<ref name=mobot/> Small, solitary purplish flowers may appear at the base of the plant in spring.<ref name=FOC/>
{{Inc|
{{Inc|
Aspidistra lurida, Ker-Gawl (A. elatior, Hort. A. punctata, Lindl.). Lvs. 15-20 in. long, stiff, evergreen, oblong-lanceolate, sharp-pointed, radical; blade narrowed into a channeled petiole a third of its length: fls. lurid purple, on short 1-fld. scapes; perianth segms. 8; stamens 8; stigma broadly shield-shaped, like a small mushroom. China. Var. variegate, Hort., has alternation of green and white stripes, no 2 Lvs. being exactly alike.—In Fla., the aspidistra makes beautiful dense specimens in unheated plant-sheds. It thrives in sunshine when growing along the edges of ditches and flowing water.
Aspidistra lurida, Ker-Gawl (A. elatior, Hort. A. punctata, Lindl.). Lvs. 15-20 in. long, stiff, evergreen, oblong-lanceolate, sharp-pointed, radical; blade narrowed into a channeled petiole a third of its length: fls. lurid purple, on short 1-fld. scapes; perianth segms. 8; stamens 8; stigma broadly shield-shaped, like a small mushroom. China. Var. variegate, Hort., has alternation of green and white stripes, no 2 Lvs. being exactly alike.—In Fla., the aspidistra makes beautiful dense specimens in unheated plant-sheds. It thrives in sunshine when growing along the edges of ditches and flowing water.
==Cultivation==
==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.<ref name=mobot/> It is tolerant of low light, low humidity, temperature fluctuation and irregular watering.<ref name=mobot/> It is best situated in a position away from direct sun to avoid leaf bleaching.<ref name=mobot/> Good drainage is also required for optimal growth and to avoid root rot.<ref name=mobot/>
===Propagation===
===Propagation===
===Pests and diseases===
===Pests and diseases===
The species is not seriously troubled by insects, however [[mite]]s and [[scale insect|scale]] may cause occasional problems.<ref name=mobot/> Its leaves and roots may be subject to browsing by hoofed mammals such as deer, as well as rodents and rabbits.
==Species==
==Varieties==
A [[variegation|variegated]] form, ''A. elatior'' 'Variegata', is also cultivated.<ref name=mobot/>
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Aspidistra elatior - 01.jpg
File:Aspidistra elatior - 01.jpg
File:Aspidistra flower.jpg
Image:Upload.png| photo 1
Image:Upload.png| photo 1
Image:Upload.png| photo 2
Image:Upload.png| photo 2