Metalasia densa inflorescence

The inflorescence of Metalasia densa comprises many narrowly cylindrical flowerheads. The cluster of off-white disc florets in each head appears like a tiny paint-brush. the upturned bunch of all the brushes together forming the flat top of the inflorescence, suitable for insect landings.

The disc florets are cylindrical, becoming slightly bell-shaped when the thin white lobes of the florets separate. The open flowers are food to the many insect pollinators, ever ready to move in.

Bigger branches in the base of the umbel-like inflorescence may spread, leaving gaps among the somewhat loose groupings of flowerheads as in the photo (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Manning, 2007; iSpot).