Moraea schlechteri inner flower parts

    Moraea schlechteri inner flower parts
    Author: Ivan Lätti
    Photographer: Thabo Maphisa

    The three anthers of a Moraea schlechteri flower are separated by the three style branches occurring in their midst in a tent-like cluster. Anthers and styles together are elevated on an erect stalk in the flower centre, positioned over the tepals.

    The deep-yellow anther colouring is vivid against the paler yellow of the flat and pointy style branches. The style branches match the colouring of the lower (inner) tepal parts, while the upper (outer) parts are still paler yellow.

    The inferior ovary of the flower is invisible here, borne (on a pedicel) below the six tepals.

    The flowers are spaced along the upper stems of the plant, each enveloped at the base by two stem-sheathing, green spathes. These spathes are leaf-like although much smaller than the real leaves, leathery and unequal in size (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist).

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