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Clinging Lilac Fern

Flower type: Annual (Grows upwards by clinging to almost any surface.)

This modest-sized flower grows up to 1.6 feet (48 cm) tall. Its emerald stems grow in bunches of 4 and are very thick and straight, and the tiny, moss green leaves are 3 pointed with tattered edges. Many leaves grow at the base of the stem, and more leaves alternate on the stem from about halfway up, up to the flower head.

Each stem splits 5 to 10 times; a single giant flower grows at the end of each split. The flowers are 6 cm (2.4 inches) wide, with petals that are generally lilac; each flower tends to be a variation of this colour. The flower head is made up of 7 petals in raised layers. They are sturdy.

It has a strong scent that smells like coconut, and it has very little pollen, but can cause allergic reactions. It is pollinated by the wind, but is also particularly attractive to butterflies.

It spreads easily and often blanket large areas.
The sap causes itchiness of the skin
It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles