| Identification | Highly distinctive relative to other NC plants, in part due to its large size and exotic look. Leaves are basal, held erect to ascending, blades narrowly elliptic to elliptic, up to 2 feet long, glaucous on underside. The long leafstalks grow from a thick rhizome, are fleshy, and taper from base to the leaf blade. The overall aspect of the leaves is tropical, like members of the genus Heliconia (lobster-claws). Flower stalks equal or exceed the leaves, with a terminal panicle of violet or lavender 3-petaled flowers. Flowers grow crowded on zig-zag branches of the panicle. Fruits are also violet or bluish, and round. | |
