Asimitellaria is a recently recognised genus of plants in the Saxifrage family, previously included in the genus Mitella, and related to Tiarella, Heuchera, and Tellima (which is an anagram of Mitella). There are 11 species, 10 endemic to Japan and one to Taiwan. Asimitellaria are woodland plants, preferring a humus rich soil, not too dry, in partial to full shade. They are mostly small, evergreen, clump-forming or gently creeping perennials, grown for their attractive lobed foliage, which is sometimes patterned in reds and purples. The spikes of tiny cap shaped flowers in spring give the plant its common name of Mitrewort or Bishop’s Cap. They usually produce plentiful seed which germinates readily when fresh and kept moist.
Asimitellaria makinoi is a diminutive species – only around 10cm tall- from Japan, introduced by Crûg Farm. The leaves are delightfully patterned in purple with silvery patches, and the flowers and flowering spikes are red.
Asimitellaria acerina is rather larger, growing up to 40 cm in height, with leaves up to 10 cm. The glossy green palmate leaves give it its Japanese name of Maple-leaved Mitella. The delicate spikes of little flowers are greenish-pink.
Asimitellaria kiusiana is another low-growing plant, to only 20 cm or so. The green leaves have variable red patterning along the veins, and the flower spikes are pale green.
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