Asarum maximum Aristolochiaceae Tom Ballinger, San Francisco Asarum maximum Aristolochiaceae Tom Ballinger, During the last decade there have been introductions of many wonderful ground cover gingers from western Asia. They all have variously mottled and silvered leave reminiscent of the best cyclamens. Some of them also have beautiful flowers and this species is one of the best. One common name is panda flower because the 2 inch flower has almost black petals with a sharply contrasting white center. These plants are not easy to grow as they do not like Mediterranean conditions. They prefer warm humid conditions and part shade with enriched woodland soil. They burn in low humidity and rot when wet and cold. However, the striking leaves and flowers make them well worth the effort of finding the right conditions. These beautiful specimens were well grown in a warm shady garden in San Francisco. . Photo by Steve Morse