Metalasia massonii
Author: Ivan Lätti
Photographer: Thabo Maphisa
The distribution of Metalasia massonii lies in the Little Karoo from around Ladismith eastwards to around Grahamstown. Plants growing in the Rooiberg, where this one was photographed, are said to have flowerheads of a deeper pink colour when young than those seen elsewhere.
The habitat is sandy or loam mountain slopes and hillsides among fynbos. These plants become abundant in spots providing favourable conditions (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; iSpot).