07 Dec Blue stars
Aristea ecklonii
Naturalising in disturbed woodland. Taking up space where natives should be providing food and habitat for creatures.
Family: Iridaceae
Origin: Forest margins in western and southern Africa
Habit: Perennial herb resembling a clump of grass.
Leaves: Up to 60cm linear and leathery, red at the base.
Flowers: Bright blue flowers in a loose panicle on a taller stem close
early afternoon.
Fruit: Pods 2cm long, three-sided, contain numerous small seeds.
Roots: Aggressive root system of rhizomes developing into tubers, corms.
Dispersal: Seeds spread by water.
Control: Best removed by hand. If in abundance possible to spray.