Microloma sagittatum twisted corolla tips

The tiny flower tips of Microloma sagittatum in picture twist like a popular type of ice cream. Pink in the main corolla part where exaggerated fluting characterises the five petal bulges, the flowers on this plant are white on the “shoulders”, attenuating abruptly into the short green or bluish green tip part.

The petals of these flowers open minimally if at all; maybe even less when they are twisted as here. Sunbirds, the main pollinators, have long, sharp beaks that penetrate a petal blade easily, not bothering with a gap at the top.

The slender, purple sepals form an elegant base for the floral structure. They are sometimes browner, angled closer to the corolla and more notably hairy on the outside and margins (Manning, 2009; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist).