This unusual flowering shrub or small tree is Southern Chinese Hats, Karomia speciosa.

Its common name comes from the extraordinary shape of its flowers. Each flower has a broad, pale green calyx surrounding a slender tube and flaring purple or violet petals. Together, they resemble a tiny traditional Chinese hat.

The flowers hang in loose clusters and may appear almost artificial because of their sharply contrasting colors and elaborate form. They attract butterflies, bees, and other visiting insects.

The leaves are simple and oval, with slightly toothed edges. The plant usually develops a light, open crown rather than dense foliage.

Despite the common name, Southern Chinese Hats is not native to China. It comes from southeastern Africa, from Mozambique southward into South Africa, where it grows naturally on dry, rocky hillsides and near seasonal waterways.

It belongs to the mint family, although it does not look much like the small culinary herbs we usually associate with that family.

Even among tropical flowering plants, Southern Chinese Hats stands out. Its flowers are so intricately shaped that they reward a much closer look.