Aspidistra
Common Names: iron plant, barroom plant, cast-iron plant
FAMILY: Liliaceae (lily family)
Aspidistra elliator
(as-pi-DIS-tra ee-LAY-sheer)
Evergreen – Shade
HEIGHT: 24′
SPREAD: 24′
SPACING: 18′
Aspidistra with chlorosis
HABIT: Dark-green, large-leafed foliage plant. Leaves sprout from the ground. Spreads by rhizomes. Native to Japan.
CULTURE: Easy to grow in any well-drained soil. Shade and plenty of water. Called Cast Iron Plant because of its toughness.
USES: Tall ground cover, coarse texture, low light area. Container plant.
PROBLEMS: Edges of foliage get ragged, especially in windy areas. Grasshoppers occasionally.
NOTES: Not easily apparent, the cast-iron plant bears its flowers and fruits just beneath the soil line.
From Howard Garrett
Texas Gardening – The Natural Way,
The Complete Handbook