Berkheya purpurea

Berkheya purpurea (syn. Stobaea purpurea DC.), also known as purple berkheya, is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) of flowering plants. Like most members of its genus, Berkheya, it is native to southern Africa.

Description
This herbaceous perennial grows to a height of 75 cm. It has a 90 cm rosette of spiky leaves, each leaf being 45 cm in length and 10 cm broad. The leaves have a white felted underside. From the centre of each rosette grows a stem with 8 cm successional flowers on side branches. The daisy-like composite blooms have white or pale mauve ray florets surrounding a central head of darker purple. It flowers in summer.

Distribution
This plant is native to Lesotho and South Africa (in Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape).

Cultivation
Berkheya purpurea is hardy to -10 C, but requires a sheltered position in full sun, with moist but well-drained soil.