Eriocephalus capitellatus woolly fruit

The fluffy fruit of Eriocephalus capitellatus are covered in woolly white hairs, as is the Eriocephalus way. These fruits are conspicuous in the veld, almost as much as the flowerheads.

This provides a service to some bird species requiring soft materials for nesting, probably dispersing some seeds to opportune places for later germination, an incidental reciprocation courtesy in a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The green sepals are still present at the base of the woolly masses, some dry floral parts visible, brown and surrounded by wool (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iSpot).