Leucospermum conocarpodendron, when all has gone well

This fully open flowerhead of Leucospermum conocarpodendron shows its stiffly erect yellow styles with stigmas like arrow-tips, spreading over the recoiled perianth segments that by now have collapsed in a heap. A flowerhead may measure 10 cm in diameter.

Enough of the yellow “news headlines” protrude above the stem tip foliage to notify and attract nectar consumers that venture into the line of sight (or smelling distance?). It is possible that the interactive work here may be finished though, fertilisation done and seed formation well under way, out of sight.

In the distance peeks a peak of the Kogelberg.