Eucomis schijffii candles in the flowers

The anthers of Eucomis schijffii may appear to be lit like rings of candles in their respective flowers. The darker the purple of bracts and tepals, the stronger the effect, especially on a dull day in the mountain.

The white of the filament cups around the pale green ovaries draws the attention to the centre stages where the pollinating acts have to happen. Nature is such an unbelievable designer, in spite of its absent-mindedness!