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The Aristolochiaceae is mainly a tropical/warm temperate zone family of vines, but we have a single representative of the family in western Washington: Asarum caudatum, wild ginger. The flowers of wild ginger lack petals, but have purplish-brown sepals fused into a three-lobed cup surrounding the ovary. The flowers are common but rarely seen: they are at ground level hidden by the heart-shaped, shiny green leaves. Wild ginger typically grows in rich moist soil in a shaded forest understory at low to middle elevations.
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wild ginger Aristolochiaceae |