Osteospermum sinuatum var. sinuatum flowerhead

The Osteospermum sinuatum var. sinuatum flowerheads grow on short, erect stalks above the foliage. They have yellow rays and discs. The oblong, spreading (female) ray florets in picture have down-curving tips.

The open (male) disc florets near the perimeter have five pointed, (here) darkened perianth lobes around the yellow anthers. The unopened florets in the centre are shorter, green and globose. The flowerhead has a diameter of 2,5 cm to 3,5 cm. Flowering happens from midwinter to midsummer.

Old flowerheads don’t bother visiting pollinators by becoming pendulous and getting out of the way. This is caused either by a heavy seed load in the making or a weakened, rubbery stalk, ensuring the courtesy to the service providers of vacating the busy space (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Shearing and Van Heerden, 2008; Vahrmeijer, 1981; iNaturalist).