Ferraria crispaCommon name: Black Flag
Meaning of name: The meaning of Ferraria is not known. Crispa is from the Latin word crispatus, meaning curled or crinkled.
Distribution: Found from Perth to Augusta and inland to Pingelly.
Remarks: This plant grows to about 35cm tall and has black flowers. The flowers attract flies but only last for one day each. This is a native of South Africa.
References: Western Weeds, A Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia. BMJ Hussey, GJ Keighery, J Dodd, SG Lloyd, RD Cousens. 1997.
Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings, a Glossary. FA Sharr. 1996.
Flora of the Perth Region. NG Marchant, JR Wheeler, BL Rye, EM Bennett, NS Lander, TD Macfarlane. 1987.
The flowers are attractive to flies.
The plant is recognisable even without flowers due to its succulent appearance.
The flowers only last one day.
The coloured liquid from the spent flowers can be used to dye Dad's hankies purple. But get Mum's permission first.
