Leucospermum conocarpodendron when all has gone well

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

Enough of the yellow “news headlines” flowerheads protrude above the stem-tip foliage to attract nectar consumers passing within the line of sight, or within smelling distance. It is possible that the interactive floral work may already be finished here, fertilisation done, and seed formation well under way, continuing out of sight below.

In the distance a peak of the Kogelberg peeks.