A tough, slow-growing houseplant with long, dark green leaves that is famous for surviving in poor light and neglect.
From Greek 'aspis' (shield) + '-stra' (feminine suffix), likely named for the shield-shaped appearance of its leaf bases or flower structure.
The aspidistra became a symbol of Victorian respectability—having one in your parlor proved you were cultured, and its ability to survive indoors made it perfectly suited to dark, gas-lit Victorian homes!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.