A clump-forming perennial with narrow, iris-like, golden-green leaves that add a bright, cheerful colour to the garden. The leaves are sword-like, up to 40 centimetres in length, with a smooth, leathery texture. The golden-green colour is distinctive, brighter than most other native irises. A plant that shines without trying. The plant produces masses of delicate, white flowers on tall, branched stems in spring and summer. The flowers are small but numerous, with three white petals and yellow centres. They are attractive to bees and butterflies. The flowers are followed by bright orange seed capsules that persist into autumn, adding a second season of interest. A plant that gives twice. Golden-flag is very hardy and easy to grow. It tolerates a range of conditions, from coastal cliffs to open forests. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but can survive short dry periods. The golden-green leaves provide colour even when the plant is not in flower. A plant that does not need to bloom to be noticed. The name Libertia honours Belgian botanist Marie-Anne Libert (1782-1865), who studied cryptogams (ferns, mosses, and lichens). The species name ixioides means resembling Ixia, a genus of South African irises. A plant named for a woman who studied the small things. To find Golden-flag is to walk the coastal cliffs and forest margins. Look for the clumps of golden-green leaves, the masses of white flowers, the bright orange seed capsules. It is a plant of the open places, an iris of the coast. The cliff is windy. The salt spray flies. The golden-flag does not care. It blooms anyway, white and gold against the grey rock. No one told it to stop. So it keeps going.