Asarum splendens

They look carniverous don’t they!?

Wow! It looks very different!

I can't say that they're beautiful but they are fascinating!

A bit different, Meanie, from the normal run-of-the-mill types of plants we are used to! ?

I found a very interesting description of this plant & I've copied it here for anyone to read:

"Chinese wild ginger (Asarum splendens)"

Genus: Asarum

There are many species and varie­­ties of wild ginger, but this vigorous, fast-growing, and beau­tiful species tops my list. Elongated, heart-shaped, dark green leaves look and feel as if they were made out of Naugahyde and splashed with metallic paint. The foliage shimmers when hit by a beam of light. It is evergreen to 10°F but will quickly reappear in the spring if it freezes. If you want to see the unique, 2-inch-wide, dark purple flowers, get on your hands and knees and look at the base of the plants. Though not particularly showy, they are interestingly attractive.

Plants spread quickly by underground rhizomes, forming a thick mat of foliage that crowds out weeds. I recommend spacing them 10 to 12 inches apart and letting them fill in over the next few years. Plants are not picky about soil pH or type, but they do best in well-drained areas.

-Jimmy Turner, Plants for dry shade, Fine Gardening issue #133

Noteworthy Characteristics: Heart-shaped, patterned, textured foliage.

Propagation: Propagate by root division."

http://www.finegardening.com/chinese-wild-ginger-asarum-splendens

In case you were wondering - like me - what Naugahyde is in Wikipedia they give this explanation:

"Naugahyde is an American brand of artificial leather (or "pleather" from plastic leather)."

So there you have it! ??

That is very interesting Balc.
A most unusual flower Sheila...I'm wondering what it attracts for pollination, is it scented at all, it doesn't look as if it would be. It just increases by rhizomes?
The foliage sounds to be stunning...I'm going to look out for it!

I've just looked at my Asarum delavayi giant, just leaves, 3 to be precise, but no flowers yet.

Very interesting Meanie....

Thanks for the info Balcony!

No sign of flowers on my A.delavayi either.