Purple Cottonflower

This small flower grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. Its moss green stem is wispy, and the giant, lime green leaves are very thick with irregular edges. A pair of leaves grow at the base of the stem.

5 to 7 tiny flowers grow on alternate sides up the length of the stem. The flowers are 11 cm (4.3 inches) wide, with vivid purple petals and a yellow center. The flower head is made up of 38 petals; the lower layer of petals are flat, while the upper layers form a tight sphere. They are very delicate.

It has a delicate scent that smells like cotton, and it has lots of pollen; it can cause severe allergic reactions. It is pollinated by a small species of bird.