Leucospermum cordifolium budding halfway

In this developing Leucospermum cordifolium flowerhead several activities are occurring simultaneously. Some perianths on the side favoured by the sun are adopting floral colouring. A few perianths have gone further, already received the push from styles “complaining” about the cramped quarters inside the perianth.

But not much of that as the phase is only starting here. The styles still have to wait for the ripening of pollen before they can free their heads and start the life of true pincushion styles in style.

At the top a few more florets could appear in the form of perianth tips to complete the globose head and eventually deliver more fruits and seeds.

On the shade side the florets develop later, lengthening the blooming period and keeping the pollinator restaurant open for longer when the precocious ones on the sunny side are done (Manning, 2007; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000).