Ferraria crispa - Black Flag - (Iridaceae)

This is probably one of the most exotic-looking flowers we have ever seen- similar in that respect to the Passion Flowers we have growing in our garden at home. Finding Ferraria crispa growing on the edge of some abandoned farmland in the Algarve was quite a surprise.

Ferraria crispa - Black Flag

Ferraria crispa or the Black Flag is a member of the Iris family (Iridaceae) and is a native plant of South Africa which has become naturalised throughout the Mediterranean region and can be found on abandoned farmland, and on other waste ground in February and March. The distinctive leaves remain intact throughout the year but the flowers are very short-lived.

Feraria crispa - whole plant picture

The specimens shown above were photographed inthe Algarve in Portugal in March.