Leucospermum prostratum perianth segment curvature

In its prime, a Leucospermum prostratum flowerhead presents much red colouring on neatly arranged floral parts. The four open perianth segments recurve strongly in precise pattern around the base of each erect, creamy tipped style.

Collapsed perianths of open florets in other Leucospermum and Protea family flowerheads are often less showy than in this pincushion. The general pattern is jumbled perianth parts, while the flowerhead bracts enveloping the florets lend the heads their glamour.

There is a distinct phase of shapely elegance and red colouring in open L. prostratum florets serving to alert pollinators. At this time the curving back segments are evenly arranged in concerted stance, as if caught in a moment of performing a floral ballet.

This is far above the general Leucospermum and Protea anthesis scatterings of perianth segments during which segments drop back haphazardly in a tangled mess at the feet of coloured styles, hardly worth noticing (Privett, 2022; Privett and Lutzeyer, 2010; Manning, 2009; Bean and Johns, 2005; Andrew, 2017; iNaturalist; www.plantzafrica.com).