Any plant of the genus Aspidistra ( lily family ), native to eastern Asia and known for ornamental foliage.
The only cultivated species is a houseplant commonly known as cast-iron plant ( A. elatior , or A. lurida ), which has long, stiff, pointed evergreen leaves that are capable of withstanding temperature extremes, dust, smoke, and other harsh conditions. The solitary, bell-shaped flowers, which are usually lilac in colour but sometimes brown or green, are borne at the base of the plant. The fruits are small berries.