Aspidistra, Cast Iron Plant

Aspidistra elatior

ass-pah-DISS-trah ee-LAY-tee-ore

Liliaceae

Explanation of name:

The genus name comes from the Latinized Greek word aspidion---"a small round shield"---possibly an allusion to the shape of the stigma (the pollen-receptive tip of the female part of a flower). The species name is drawn from a participle conjugation of the Latin effero­ "to raise, or elate"—which is subsequently interpreted as "taller." So, "taller shield."

http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/indoor/1999wi_aspidistra.html

Natural range: Asia

Recognition: Tongue-shaped lilylike, strap-shaped, tough leaves narrowed at the bases. The leaves come in diverse variegation patterns.

Landscape uses:  Tough, old-fashioned, slow-growing, rhizomatous but not-very-aggressive space-filler and bedding plant for shaded or partly shaded conditions, drought-tolerant.  Esteemed for its overall hardiness. The inconspicuous flowers form at the ground, and are reportedly pollinated by Amphipods.