POV: you're an ant
You need to bring back food to your nest, so you venture out to find something nutrient-dense and delicious. Aha! You come across a towering skyscraper-like clump (at least six inches tall!) of green-speckled, heart-shaped leaves nestled together. You recognize this plant, so you scurry closer to investigate whether there are any of those cavernous brown flowers where the stems meet the ground. Sure enough, an inch above the soil you find five of them, and you climb up to one of the 'cave' entrances. Inside there are seeds, covered in a rich coating that will feed the nest well. You mightily heft the seed up with your legs and carry your treasure back home.
(The shape of the brown flowers of this wild ginger relative resemble tiny jugs, hence the name. A splendid ground cover for part shade areas, their mottled light and bright green leaves are evergreen and can even take on a purple hue in the cold.)
Conditions: Dappled sunlight to part shade; moist loamy or sandy soils; does not tolerate deep shade well.
Size: 6"-12" tall, 4"-12" wide
Zone: 5 - 9
Wildlife Value: Ants visit the flowers to harvest and feed on the nutrient-dense seed coating; flowers support pollinating flies
Photo: Samantha Nestory