Dysosma delavayi

Dysosma delavayi (Chinese mayapple) is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Southwest China (Sichuan and Yunnan Province) that is highly sought after by plant collectors and avid shade gardeners. It is distinguished by its lobed, peltate foliage that is remarkably mottled when it first emerges in early spring. Deep red flowers appear in May (hence the name mayapple) and are somewhat foul-scented to attract its pollinators.

Chinese mayapples are found in moist woodland conditions often by a stream where water is constant, but drainage is optimal.

Dysosma delavayi has also shown a tendency to produce stolons, which aids propagation of this rare plant. Traditionally, this species is propagated by division, seed, and it has also been successfully micropropagated through tissue culture.

External links

• Entry in International Plant Names Index
• Mention in newspaper feature