Scurvy Grass is named for it's antiscorbutic properties, recognised by early mariners who ate it to prevent scurvy. It's stalks have long been used by islanders to make 'Scurvy Wine'. This is a perennial herb with pale green leaves and large soft flowers which may be white or pink. Stalks are long and pale red and like the flowers themselves are edible. Common on coastal and Diddle Dee heathland. Abundant on East and West Falklands, flowers October to February. Scurvy is native to the Falklands and is also found on neighbouring Fuegia, Andean Patagonia to 48°S.

Sources include:, A Field Guide to the Wildlife of The Falkland Islands and South Georgia - Ian J Strange, Plants of the Falkland Islands- Ali Liddle, Flowering Plants of the Falkland Islands- Robin W. Woods,The Vascular Flora of the Falkland Islands- D. M. Moore, B.Sc., Ph.D, 1968, The Flowering Plants of the Falkland Islands- E. F. Vallentin,

Photographic credits: Robert Maddocks, Ali Marsh

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