Aloe microstigma perianth colours

Closed red buds and open yellow flowers show the perianth colour contrast common in Aloe microstigma. Perianth length is around 2,5 cm to 3 cm.

The shiny, cylindrical flowers formed by two whorls of three perianth segments each are often slightly swollen around their midsections. The outer three segments are free to the base. They have three to five veins that are green near the slightly spreading, pointed segment tip. The inner segments are free and not cohering with the outer ones. The tips are obtusely pointed and spreading.

The anthers and stigma become exserted shortly after the perianth mouth opens. The inner three stamens lengthen first, pushing their anthers out early. The outer three follow by the lengthening of their filaments to take their place outside the older flower. This enhances the pollination probability by extending the pollen presentation period (Frandsen, 2017; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Van Wyk and Smith, 2003; Reynolds, 1974; Jeppe, 1969; iNaturalist).