Podophyllum delavayi

Podophyllum delavayi (synonym Dysosma delavayi) is a perennial ground cover with exceptional tabular foliage, velvety in appearance, green marbled with red, purple, and bronze. Under its umbrella-shaped leaves, divided into 6-8 lobes, curious flowers of a bright purple-red bloom in spring. This rare plant, known as the mayapple among the Anglo-Saxons, grows in semi-shade in humus-rich, acidic soil that remains slightly moist.

Podophyllum delavayi, now classified as Dysosma delavayi, belongs to the Berberidaceae family. It is native to the high-altitude forests of central-southern China. This uncommon rhizomatous plant has a spreading habit. It reaches a height of 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) with a spread of about 40cm (16in). In early spring, it develops deciduous leaves 20cm (8in) in diameter, umbrella-shaped, slightly toothed at the edges, divided into 6-8 lobes. They are chartreuse green and speckled with several shades: red, purple, bronze. No two leaves are ever alike. These leaves retain their colours late into the season, but they disappear on mature leaves. In April-May, on short red and velvety stems, fairly conspicuous pear-shaped flowers appear in bright purple-red. 3cm (1in) in diameter, they are pendant with elongated petals. They give way in summer to orange, fleshy and toxic fruits! The plant must establish itself well before flowering. It is hardy to -15° C or more.

Podophyllum delavayi or Dysosma delavayi grows in a humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil in a semi-shaded position. Like any woodland edge plant, it does not like windy conditions. This botanical curiosity should be showcased at the edge of a shaded bed, associated with Ferns, Epimediums, Solomon's Seals, and Arisaemas.