DICHORISANDRA thyrsiflora. Blue ginger. Brazil. The common name refers to a vague resemblance to some of the ornamental gingers. Actually it is related to Tradescantia. It makes close thickets of jointed, purplish stems up to 4’ tall, with lush foliage above. The individual leaves, 6-12" long in this selection, are nearly strap shaped but pointed at the ends, deeply veined, shiny and deep green above, purplish beneath. Dense clusters of bright purple, 3-petalled blossoms are borne at the shoot tips in summer and fall. Light to medium shade, most non-alkaline soils, regular watering and fertilizing. Probably hardy to 25^o, resprouting after extensive damage to the foliage.