Aletris spicata

Aletris spicata is a small perennial in the Nartheciaceae family. Its native range spans China, central and south-central Japan, and northern Luzon. It grows in warm temperate lands and the tropics. In Japan, it lives on hills and low mountains. Chinese habitats include woods, scrub, grassland, stream banks, and roadsides. There, it grows at elevations of 328–9,514 feet [100–2,900 metres]. In the northern Philippines, it grows mainly above 3,281 feet [1,000 metres].

The plant forms a clump of tightly packed leaf rosettes. These grow from a rhizome, an underground stem. Leaves reach about 0.16–0.98 feet [0.05–0.3 metres] long. Both plant databases give a height near 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Yet flowering stems can reach 0.5–2.3 feet [0.15–0.7 metres]. This taller stem range helps explain the difference in reported size. The sources give no clear measure of the clump's width. Flowers have both male and female organs. PFAF records bloom from March through August. Seeds ripen between May and August.

The species needs sun and does not suit a shaded site. PFAF lists sandy and loamy soils as suitable. It also lists mildly acid to neutral soil conditions. The soil should stay moist but let excess water drain. Useful Tropical Plants also gives a preference for damp, sunny ground. Its soil mix includes peat, leaf mould, and sand. PFAF notes that its detailed growing guidance comes from genus-level needs. British winter hardiness remains uncertain, and no firm hardiness zone is given.

PFAF places this plant at a sunny woodland edge. Its low leaf clumps and taller bloom stems give it that role. The sources do not describe its flower colour or fruit shape. They also give no species-specific account of pests or diseases. PFAF does not flag it as a weed. Useful Tropical Plants records wild harvest for local medicinal use. Food use is also reported, though that source treats it less firmly.

PFAF records cooked young leaves as food during times of shortage. This is not presented as a regular food crop. Both databases report root use for coughs and intestinal worms. These records describe traditional uses, not proof of treatment benefits. Both sources list no known hazards. That does not establish safety for people or pets.