Paris

Another jewel for the woodland garden, shady border or in an open position, but with more soil moisture. Herbaceous, with upright stems, whorled leaves, topped with exotic, but delicate looking flowers, which are enhanced by a ruff of bracts, sometime coloured, (check out Paris japonica!). Thread-like petals, upright stamens, which eventually surround a single fruit, filled with seeds which are covered by a fleshy coating. Paris is derived from the latin for par, meaning equal, due to the regular placement of foliage and flower parts. Occasionally may be also be named as Daiswa or Kinugasa. One native species P. quadrifolia, herb paris, throughout much of England, Wales and into Scotland, but difficult to spot amongst other more vigorous woodlanders.