Scarlet bloodroot

A perennial herb to one meter high. Although it is not a grass, it has a grass-like appearance, with strap-like, narrow, leathery leaves arising from the base of the plant.

Flowering usually occurs between November and March, during the Top End wet season, however flowers have been observed as early as October and as late as May. The flowers are deep-red or orange red and occur in dense clusters on long stiff stalks, which also arise from the base of the plant.

Fruit develop between November and March, and can linger until May. The fruit are red to black, fleshy capsules with three lobes. The mature fruit release a red-purple juice when crushed.