Arctotis auriculata bashful buds

Modesty becomes the young flower in bridal mode. These globose Arctotis auriculata flowerhead buds divulge nothing yet of the bright yellow flourish expected by those that know.

The swan-neck curves of their faintly lined, sparsely leaved peduncles allow a clear view of nether parts, those narrow-tailed outer bracts upon the back of the pendulous, still closed involucres. Finely hairy and green, these bracts differ from the inner ones that are broad-based and longer, clutching the bud contents dutifully.

Some of the leaves in picture display marginal toothing that remind of sawblades fit for heavy duty. The texture of this plant is, however, quite the opposite: soft, velvety and unlike anything woody (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).