There are about thirty species and variety of Genus Aspidistra belong to, family Liliaceae. These plants are slow growing, evergreen, rhizomatous, perennial herbs native to East Asia. They have simple leaves with smooth margins and parallel veins.

The well known species is Aspidistra elatior. It is native to Taiwan and islands in southern Japan. The specific epithet elatior is derived from elat meaning exalted, lofty, high and ior meaning more so, to a greater degree.

Aspidistra elatior is well known in cultivation and has a reputation for withstanding neglect, giving rise to its common name of Cast Iron Plant. It is tolerant of low light, low humidity, temperature fluctuation and irregular watering. It is best situated in a position away from direct sun to avoid leaf bleaching. Good drainage is also required for optimal growth and to avoid root rot.

Aspidistra elatior is a perennial which grows in wild up to 60 cm height and width. Originally it is a forest plant, has dark green, leathery leaves 40-60 cm long including petiole (leaf stalk) and 13 cm wide, which rise from a creeping rhizomatous rootstock, lying half buried in the potting mixture. The long, lance shaped, glossy, dark green leaves grow directly from a number of short stalks.  8 lobed cream flowers with maroon colouring on the inner surface, borne in early summer at soil level, but these are often hidden by the foliage.

Cast Iron Plant widely grown as a house plant. It can also be grown successfully outdoors in shade in temperate climates, where plants will generally cope with temperatures down to -5 °C. It is preferred for its durability and ability to survive under adverse conditions: low light, high heat, poor soil, and drought.

Aspidistra elatior is tolerant of a wide range of soils and potting media as long as they are well-drained. Once established, it is tolerant of droughty conditions but prosper under evenly moist conditions. It is moderately salt tolerant. Cast Iron Plants appear to transplant well starting from almost any size including single rhizome nodes. Although they may be kept in dark corners and other poorly lit positions, they will produce little growth there, whereas they thrive in medium light for instance, at a sunless window.

Aspidistra elatior propagate by dividing overcrowded clumps in the spring. Each piece of rhizome should carry at least two leaves and several pieces may be planted together in a pot.

Leaves of the Cast Iron Plant are reportedly non-toxic and extremely long-lasting. They make good linear materials in floral arrangements. For cut foliage use, Aspidistra elatior leaves are harvested with clippers and are frequently bundled ten per bunch. Vase life is very long, stems of Aspidistra will last in arrangements for a month or longer.

There are some cultivars. Well known one is A. elatior ‘variegata’ has similarly sized leaves that are irregularly marked with light green and white streaks.

Landscape Use: Cast Iron Plants are commonly used as ground covers in shade gardens since they can tolerate light to very heavy shade. They cannot tolerate full sunlight but can tolerate drought and competition from tree roots. Aspidistra elatior can also be used as accent, edging, or container plants. Old leaves will need to be pruned out periodically. Initial spacings for landscape plantings are 30-50 cm.