Podophyllum delavayi

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Podophyllum delavayi

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Ranunculales
Family:	Berberidaceae
Genus:	Podophyllum
Species:	P. delavayi

Binomial name

Podophyllum delavayi

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Podophyllum 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.

CULTIVATION: Chinese Mayapples are found in moist woodland conditions often by a stream where water is constant, but drainage is optimal. In the garden, it thrives in cool, moist shade and filtered light with amended soil that is well drained and rich in organic matter. It often takes several years before the plant is fully established and thriving.

PROPAGATION: Podophyllum delavayi has also shown a tendency to produce stolons, which might aid in the propagation of this rare plant. Traditionally, this species is propagated by division, seed, and it has also been successfully micropropagated through tissue culture.