Pepperbloom

This small flower grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Its blood red or intense purple stem is very thin, and the miniature, emerald leaves are broad, flat with wavy edges. The leaves alternate on the stem from the base up to about halfway.

3 to 9 large flowers grow on alternate sides up the length of the stem. The flowers are 4 cm (1.6 inches) wide, with dark brown petals and a yellow center. The flower head is largely flat with 24 raised narrow petals. They fall easily.

It has an intensely strong scent that smells like pepper, and it has a modest amount of pollen; it can cause allergic reactions. It is pollinated by the wind, but is enjoyed by several specific types of insect.