Hexastylis arifolia

Hexastylis arifolia, or the little brown jug, is a perennial wildflower in the family Aristolochiaceae found in the southeastern United States, from Louisiana to Virginia, inland as far as Kentucky.^[2] It is considered a threatened species in Florida.^{[citation needed]} The appearance of the flowers of Hexastylis arifolia, growing near the ground at the base of the plant, give it the common name "little brown jug."

Hexastylis arifolia
The unique inflorescence of Hexastylis arifolia which inspire its common name, "little brown jug."
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Magnoliids
Order:	Piperales
Family:	Aristolochiaceae
Genus:	Hexastylis
Species:	H. arifolia
Binomial name
Hexastylis arifolia (Michx.) Small
Synonyms[1]
Asarum arifolium Michx. 1803

Description

Hexastylis arifolia is an evergreen, perennial herb with no above-ground stems, spreading by means of underground rhizomes.

Leaves are hairless, of two sorts. Small, scale-like leaves adhere to the underground rhizomes, while larger green, heart-shaped leaves emerge above ground. Flowers are formed one at a time, on the ends of the rhizomes.^[3][4][5]

Foliage

Hexastylis arifolia

Hexastylis arifolia flower, cut to reveal the internal structures.