Eriospermum paradoxum leaf appendage but red

This leafy structure may be Eriospermum paradoxum, seen in the Biedouw Valley during September, well within the species distribution range.

E. paradoxum is hysteranthous, flowering in autumn when there is no leaf. The leaf appendage grown in winter is usually green. Maybe it turns red before disappearing after the rainy season ends and the environment hots up. Hairiness is less in picture than usually seen on the green leaf appendage.

The leaf enation (outgrowth) of E. paradoxum is different to those found on other Eriospermum species. It rises here as one structure branching profusely above the base into a feathery, miniature tree-like body. In other Eriospermum species the leaf growths are typically multiple rounded, elongated or cylindrical shapes (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist; www.llifle.com).