Aspidistra

In the narrow, bleak spaces between city townhouses, crowded around gas meters and covered with dust, you'll find aspidistras. In dry, thin soil under trees they thrive. Stuffed in neglected pots, they wait for someone to come and dribble a little water; often just a styrofoam cup of melted ice and lemon slice. Yellowed by too much sun, ragged from neglect, they persist. Often they are as neglected indoors, or worse.

Despite its treatment, Aspidistra is a noble genus, lending a tropical appearance to shady environments.

To learn more, read our article Aspidistras Are Practically Immortal!.