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Clinging Starflower

Flower type: Annual (Grows upwards by clinging to almost any surface.)

This short flower grows up to 3 inches (8 cm) tall. Its yellow stem is very thick, and the giant, gray leaves are stiff, pointed with smooth edges. The leaves alternate on the stem from about halfway up, up to the flower head.

Each stem splits 2 to 7 times; a single giant flower grows at the end of each split. The flowers are 8 cm (3.1 inches) wide, with solid brown petals decorated with crimson lines and a light brown central disk. The flower head is shaped like a star with 31 widely spaced, narrow petals. They are very delicate.

It has a mildly strong scent that smells like apple, and it has very little pollen. It is pollinated by the wind.

The sap is lime.
It is suitable for making baskets and the like
Several parts of the fruit tree have medicinal properties.