Aulax umbellata old female flowerheads

Old Aulax umbellata female flowerheads turn brown, starting with the styles protruding from the tops of the florets. Pollen grains from a male bush nearby must have landed on the stigmas, earlier serving as pollen presenters. Although these plants have no nectar in flowerheads of either sex, insects deliver their pollen, probably eating some of it.

Styles are important until pollen grains have grown down them into the ovaries below, and fertilised the female egg cells. This is a vital piece of so many floral puzzles on earth.

The bracts around these flowerheads hold out longest, serving as beacons for insect pollinators to find younger flowers, also as protection for the fruits inside.

The youngest-looking component in picture is the leafy branch passing the flowerheads on its way to producing new heads in the new season at a higher level (Manning, 2007; Rebelo, 1995; iNaturalist; https://pza.sanbi.org).