Family: birthworts (Aristolochiaceae)
Flowering time: March–April
Size: 5–10 cm
Habitat: forests and among shrubs
The dark-green kidney-shaped or broad-heart-shaped leaves of the common wild ginger (Asarum europaeum) are evergreen and when crushed they smell of pepper. From a creeping rhizome a short stem with a few leaves emerges. The net-veined leaf blades are 3 to 10 cm wide, and the leaf stalks are up to 10 cm long. Three-lobed brownish-red bell-shaped flowers are usually hidden under dry leaves. Star-shaped flowers have 12 stamens. Mature seeds are dispersed by ants, which are attracted by the nutritious elaiosomes – oily appendages on the seeds. Wild ginger thrives in shady habitats in the lowlands throughout Slovenia. It prefers moderately moist, base-rich soils rich in humus.
People have used it to relieve some problems with the excretory, digestive, and respiratory systems, but it is poisonous and its uses should not be taken lightly!
