Paris polyphylla - Many-leaved Paris

Paris polyphylla is a perennial for shady areas originating from Asia that slowly forms a ground cover with an unusual design. Its stems bear bracts and leaves arranged in clusters, forming a sort of collar that houses a strange spider-like flower in its centre, with a yellow-green colour. To acclimate it to the garden, it absolutely requires a thick layer of humus that remains fresh even in summer, and it should be planted in complete shade or under deciduous trees. A collector's plant for lovers of exotic and wooded atmospheres!

Paris polyphylla belongs to the family of Trilliaceae or Liliaceae according to classifications. This species is native to China, Taiwan, India, and Indochina, where it is found in humid forests up to 3,300 metres (11000 feet) above sea level. It is an herbaceous plant with a rhizomatous stump that allows it to colonize the soil. Its growth is slow, and its vegetation disappears in winter. In spring, stems emerge from the ground, reaching 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in height. They bear 5 to 9 oval to lanceolate leaves with visible parallel veins, arranged in a spiralled and whorled pattern, meaning they are inserted almost at the same level around the stems. They are a fairly vivid green colour, slightly shiny. In June-July, Paris produces curious star-shaped flowers, consisting of beautiful chartreuse green bracts and very delicate petals reduced to golden yellow filaments. In autumn, it produces decorative red-orange fruits, arranged in dense clusters.

As a plant of cool and humus-rich undergrowth, Paris polyphylla likes semi-shaded areas, soils rich in organic matter, always slightly moist but never waterlogged, and it dislikes limestone. Plant it in a protected location, alongside Arisaemas, Trilliums, ferns, or Hostas, for example.