Liparia splendens early flowerhead

Several Liparia splendens flowerheads opening in succession have grown from small side-branches in picture, each positioned at its own stem-tip.

The lowest bracts of the head grow without flowers in a few imbricate rows like an involucre. Immediately below them, the upper stem-leaves are positioned densely, no stem-part showing other than lower down on the stem.

The first flowers to open are the lowermost ones in the head (Privett and Lutzeyer, 2010; Manning, 2007; Mustart, et al, 1997).