Genus of about 50 species of evergreen, rhizomatous or tufted perennials, often with swollen, fleshy roots, sometimes stoloniferous, from shady scrub or woodland in E. Asia, espetially China and Japan. Ophiopogon is similar in appearance to Liriope. The spikes of flowers are borne in the tufts of leaves and so may be partially hidden. The long narrow leaves are about 15 inches long. It will grow in sun or shade and has the added benefit of producing small white or mauve flowers in summer.