A plant of distinction!

I've taken a few pictures of this perennial over the last few weeks but have always chosen something else for a Blip.

Today's the day for it though, as I didn't have to venture too far for it and it's wet and windy now, or getting that way.

Morina longifolia is a spiky perennial from Nepal, with rosettes of thistle-like leaves edged with spines. The flower spikes are topped with these beautifully formed flowers which spring from the most exquisite little sheaths. When the flowers have faded the sheaths turn brown - each one holds a single black seed. 

A plant of considerable architectural merit, I like to think! A close-up can be seen as my extra picture today.