Desert Blossom

This giant flower grows up to 10.9 feet (3.3 meters) tall. Its gray stem is wispy and straight, and the miniature, lime green leaves are light brown on the underside and are long, tapering with ripped edges. A pair of leaves grow at the base of the flower head.

Each stem splits 6 to 8 times; a single small flower grows at the end of each split. The flowers are 112 cm (44.1 inches) wide, with alternating petals of blue and blood red, with a blood red central disk. The flower head is made up of many petals; the lower layer of petals are flat, while the upper layers form a tight cup. They detach easily.

It has no scent, and it has very little pollen; it can cause severe allergic reactions. It is pollinated by a small species of bird.