Slateflower

This big flower grows up to 6.6 feet (2.0 meters) tall. Its grey and slate stem is very thin, and the miniature, slate leaves are wispy with serrated edges. A pair of leaves grow at the base of the flower head.

Each stem splits 2 to 5 times; a single small flower grows at the end of each split. The flowers are 10 cm (3.9 inches) wide, with petals that are generally black; each flower tends to be a variation of this colour. The flower head is shaped like a bowl made up of 13 raised, narrow petals. They detach easily.

It has a soft scent that smells like petrol, and it has excessive amounts of pollen,but it does not cause many allergic reactions. It is pollinated by a small species of bird.