Leucospermum catherinae flowerhead ready to open

As the big moment approaches, the Leucospermum catherinae styles have burst the perianth seams lower down. Not one has yet managed to free its tip from the clutch of the anthers in its perianth. This is where pollen offload will take place, equipping the styles for their pollen presenter task when they become erect.

When that work is done, the pollen presenter reverts to stigma status for receiving pollen from elsewhere to grow seeds below in their ovaries, situated at the bottom of the styles.

Sunbirds, Cape sugarbirds and bees pollinate these flowers (Manning, 2007; Eliovson, 1983; iNaturalist; http://pza.sanbi.org).