Bent alligator flag

Thalia geniculata ‘Ruminoides’

Range: South Florida & Caribbean to South America, Sub-Saharan Africa

This native wetland plant grows in swamps, marshes, shallow ponds, and along stream banks throughout Florida. It has large, bold leaves reminiscent of banana leaves. Its unusual, three-petaled purple flowers are borne in springtime and summer. Bent alligator-flag is a magnificent water garden plant, and this variety is especially popular because of its showy red leaf sheaths.