Dysosma versipellis
Dysosma versipellis is a species of flowering plant in the barberry family Berberidaceae, native to China. It is still widely referenced under Podophyllum versipelle and there is some debate as to its correct taxonomic status. Though it has quite a broad but sparse distribution in the damp, shady forests of south and west China, it has been designated as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN.[1] A compact herbaceous perennial growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall and broad, it grows from underground rhizomes, with umbrella-shaped leaves and dark red, tubular, pendent flowers in spring.
| Dysosma versipellis | |
|---|---|
_-_Savill_Garden_-_Windsor_Great_Park%252C_England_-_DSC06476.jpg.webp) | |
| Cv. ‘Spotty Dotty’ at Savill Garden, Windsor, England | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Berberidaceae |
| Genus: | Dysosma |
| Species: | D. versipellis |
| Binomial name | |
| Dysosma versipellis | |
| Synonyms | |
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It is quite hardy in temperate zones, surviving temperatures down to −10 °C (14 °F). However, it requires a sheltered spot in dappled shade, with acid to neutral soil. Under the synonym Podophyllum versipelle the cultivar ‘Spotty Dotty‘, distinguished by bold brown leaf markings, has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[3][4]
References
- members of the China Plants Specialist Group (2004). "Dysosma versipellis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T32402A9702634. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T32402A9702634.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- "Dysosma versipellis (Hance) M.Cheng". The Plant List. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
- "RHS Plantfinder - Podophyllum versipelle 'Spotty Dotty'". Retrieved 2 May 2018.
- "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 80. Retrieved 8 May 2018.