Aspidistra
/ˌæs.pɪˈdɪs.trə/noun
A genus of evergreen Asian plants, especially the common houseplant Aspidistra elatior, known for its long, durable leaves.
Did you know?Aspidistra was coined as a New Latin botanical name in the nineteenth century and is generally connected with Greek aspis, “shield,” probably alluding to the plant’s broad leaves, though the exact formation is uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀσπίς (aspís), ἀσπίδος (aspídos)
“A round shield; the same word was also used for the asp snake, whose markings or defensive posture may have encouraged the association.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀσπιδ- (aspid-)
“The stem formed from aspís, meaning “shield” or “of a shield.””
1822
New Latin
Aspidistra
“A newly coined botanical genus name, probably constructed from the Greek shield word; the suffix and exact naming motivation are uncertain.”
19th Century
Botanical Latin
Aspidistra elatior
“The scientific name applied to the widely cultivated species commonly known as the cast-iron plant.”
Modern English
English
aspidistra
“An evergreen ornamental plant famous for surviving neglect, low light, and difficult indoor conditions.”