Saruma is a single species genus in the Aristolochiaceae family, closely related to Asarum of which its name is an anagram. It is thought to be the oldest member of this family and is the only one to have fully developed petals. See Introduction to the Aristolochiales
Saruma henryi is from the mountains of China where it grows in shady and moist areas. It starts flowering in Spring, is deciduous, and is reputed to be very hardy. Photos by David Pilling taken in North West England at the end of April 2011 of plants grown from seed sown in January 2009. The plants shown are about six inches high; the ultimate height should be over a foot. Seed is said only to be viable for a very short time. The rhizome is used in Chinese medicine and all parts of the plant are poisonous. It is endangered in the wild.
