Native Flag, Leafy Purple Flag
Patersonia glabrata
Family: Iridaceae
What it is like
A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It forms tufts. It grows 30-80 cm high and spreads 10-30 cm wide. The stems are 40 cm long by 0.5 cm wide and are woody. They have few branches. The leaves are 10-40 cm long by 0.2-0.5 cm wide. They are flat and spread widely. They are blue-green and have hairs along the edge near the base. The flower stalk is 10-30 cm long. The bract is 4-6 cm long. They are dark brown and spreads 4 cm apart. The flowers are 4-6 cm across and pale blue. The fruit is a capsule 2-4 cm long and like a cylinder. The seeds are brown.
There are 20 Patersonia species. Most grow in Australia.
Where it is found
It grows in coastal districts. It grows in sandy soils and loams in forests. It suits subtropical and warm temperate regions. It needs well drained acid soil. It can tolerate some frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The rhizome is eaten.
Edible parts
Rhizome, root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or by division.