Saruma henryi Flower (05/05/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Partial shade to shade
Flowering period: Late spring to summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 60cm
Eventual Spread: 90cm
Hardiness: 4a – 9a
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Saruma henryi is a herbaceous perennial herbaceous. Its green leaves are tinged with purple, are cordate with entire margins, are covered in fine hairs, are fragrant when bruised and are up to 15cm long. As with the leaves its stems are pubescent. Its yellow flowers are bowl shaped, have three petals,are up to3cm across, are borne at the tips of upright stems and are held above the leaves. Its fruit is a follicular capsule. The roots of this plant are rhizomes.
Saruma henryi, commonly known as Upright Wild Ginger, is native to much of central China. In its native habitat it grows in dense forests, valleys and on the banks of streams. Saruma henryi is the only species within this genus.
The etymological root of the binomial name Saruma is an Anagram ofAsarum canadense (Canada Wild Ginger), with which this plant bares a similarity. Henryi is named after Augustine Henry (1857 – 1930), an Irish plant collector of Chinese plants.
Saruma henryi (05/05/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Saruma henryiuseful as part of a woodland planting scheme as it is very tolerant of shade.
Ecologically, S. henryiis attractive to flies due to the pungent odor. It is also attractive to butterflies and other pollinating insects.
S. henryi prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Saruma henryi requires little maintenance.
