Marantochloa purpurea

Native to western tropical Africa from Sierra Leone to western Cameroon, this perennial herb grows in lowland freshwater swamp forests. It can reach about 8 feet tall and form dense stands. Dark purple flowers with yellow markings appear on loosely branched, drooping inflorescences with pinkish branches. It is propagated by division. Bees pollinate the flowers, and chimpanzees eat the soft young stem pith. In southeastern Cameroon, its stems and fibres are used for roof thatching and for making cords, baskets and mats. Photographed in Florida.