Metalasia massonii flowerheads

The flowers of Metalasia massonii grow in slightly domed to nearly flat-topped inflorescences at stem tips. The inflorescence may be up to 3 cm in diameter, comprising many separate flowerheads, each 5 mm wide with five disc florets; all crowded densely together.

Flowerheads start off pink, the colouring being in the tips of the upper bracts around the florets that fade to a dull white as they age. Metalasia flowerheads do not have scales on their receptacles.

The leaves of this plant grow in clusters up the stems. Leaves are narrow, but thick and twisted in shape. There are at least two leaf sizes usually present; tufts of smaller leaves grow in the axils of the older, primary leaves. Tiny, pointed protrusions like micro-spines are visible on the leaf tips in picture. A matted white woolliness covers the stems, also seen scattered in small patches on the green leaf surfaces (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; iSpot).