Monsonia herrei buds

The Monsonia herrei flower buds in picture are already well above the foliage on sturdy, leafless but hairy stalks. Flower stalks become from 1 cm to 3 cm long.

The dull green calyx covering is conspicuously seamed where the sepals will part to liberate the now still protected, developing petals. The bud is wider near its tip than its base, the tip protruding markedly. A pair of about negligible, opposite bracts is present at the bud base, hardly visible on the buds in picture (Williamson, 2010; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist; http://llifle.com).